5 colones 1967

Common. This note represents a regular issue of the Banco Central de Costa Rica with a production span from 1963–1967, indicating substantial print quantities. eBay market data confirms accessibility: UNC specimens have sold consistently in the $9.99–$42 range (median approximately $25–$30), with multiple examples appearing across multiple years (2013–2022). The 2019 catalogue valuation of $30 for UNC condition further supports common status. The series designation 'C' and the sequential serial number C5110466 indicate this was produced within routine circulation patterns, not a limited issue or commemorative run.

This 1967 banknote commemorates Braulio Carrillo, a pivotal 19th-century Costa Rican statesman, while the reverse's 'Pago de Cafe' (Coffee Payment) imagery underscores the dominance of coffee cultivation in Costa Rica's post-colonial economy. The May 28, 1967 date reflects a period of relative economic stability in Costa Rica during the Cold War era. The Banco Central de Costa Rica's adoption of foreign security printers like Thomas de la Rue demonstrates the nation's commitment to modern, counterfeit-resistant currency production standards of the mid-20th century.

The obverse presents a formal portrait of Braulio Carrillo, a 19th-century Costa Rican statesman, rendered in classical engraved style, positioned centrally within elaborate circular guilloche medallions bearing the denomination. The design employs ornate floral and botanical scrollwork throughout the borders, with decorative corner ornaments featuring the numeral 5 in each quadrant—a hallmark of formal currency design from this era. The reverse depicts an agricultural laborer (coffee worker) in a field setting, identified by the 'Pago de Cafe' inscription, illustrating the socioeconomic importance of coffee production to Costa Rica. The landscape background shows farm buildings and fence posts, grounding the design in rural reality while celebrating the nation's agrarian foundation. Both sides are dominated by green with gray tones and accent colors, creating a cohesive, professional appearance typical of Thomas de la Rue's mid-20th century work.

FRONT SIDE: 'Banco Central de Costa Rica' (Central Bank of Costa Rica); 'CINCO COLONES' (Five Colones); 'SERIE C' (Series C); Serial number 'C5110466'; 'BRAULIO CARRILLO' (portrait identification); 'SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA' (location); '28 de mayo de 1967' (May 28, 1967); 'ACUERDO DE LA JUNTA DIRECTIVA NO' (Agreement of the Board of Directors No.); 'EL PRESIDENTE DE LA JUNTA DIRECTIVA' (The President of the Board of Directors); 'EL GERENTE DEL BANCO' (The Manager of the Bank); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (British security printer). BACK SIDE: 'Banco Central de Costa Rica' (Central Bank of Costa Rica); 'CINCO COLONES' (Five Colones); 'PAGO DE CAFE' (Coffee Payment); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY LIMITED' (printer identification); '5' (denomination numeral).

Intaglio (engraved) printing, as evidenced by the fine line work, cross-hatching, intricate guilloche patterns in the medallions, and the deep, dimensional quality of the portraiture and landscape illustration. The subtle variations in ink density and the crisp detail throughout confirm professional security printing by Thomas de la Rue & Company, Limited, London—a world-leading currency security printer. The multi-color overprinting is layered over a green base, a common technique for mid-century Central American banknotes.

Series C variant as indicated by the 'SERIE C' marking on both obverse medallions and the serial number prefix. The specific date of May 28, 1967 on the note represents the latest recorded issuance date within the 1963–1967 production window for this Pick number (P-228). The serial number C5110466 is visible in red/pink ink. PMG has catalogued this as P-228s (the 's' suffix indicating a standard variant without overprints or special markings). No known major varieties such as overprints, signature variants, or color variants are reported for this Pick number beyond the standard Series C designation.