5 colones 1979

Common. This note is readily available in the collector market, with eBay sales data showing consistent availability of UNC examples across multiple years (2010–2023) at modest prices typically ranging from $0.99 to $5.50, with occasional PMG-graded specimens commanding higher prices ($15–$37). The catalog value listed as $5 USD for UNC condition further confirms common status. The note was issued during the 1977–1989 period with substantial circulation, and Series D examples remain widely obtainable. The P-236d variant is one of three known variants cataloged by PMG for this Pick number, suggesting moderate production across varieties.

Rafael Yglesias Castro, depicted on the obverse, served as Costa Rica's Executive President during the late 19th century, representing the nation's political leadership during its development period. The reverse design references the National Theater (Teatro Nacional), an iconic symbol of Costa Rica's cultural heritage and progressive identity during the colonial and early republican era. The note's 1979 date and Series D designation reflect the Central Bank's continued circulation of this design during the post-1977 reissue period, demonstrating the enduring significance of these historical figures and landmarks to Costa Rican national identity.

The obverse portrays Rafael Yglesias Castro (1835–1901), Costa Rica's Executive President during the 1894–1898 period, depicted in three-quarter profile on the left side wearing formal 19th-century attire with suit and necktie. His distinctive prominent mustache is characteristic of his historical appearance. The right side of the obverse features vibrant purple and pink orchid flowers, symbolizing Costa Rica's natural biodiversity. The reverse displays an elaborate engraved reproduction of J. Villa's 1897 painting titled 'Alegría' (Joy), depicting a lively colonial-era port scene at the National Theater with dozens of figures engaged in commercial activity—merchants, workers, and traders in period clothing—with multi-masted sailing ships, palm trees, tropical landscape, and distant mountains. The entire design is framed by ornamental corner medallions containing the numeral '5' in decorative circular designs, with scrollwork, floral, and geometric patterns throughout. The color palette combines deep greens, beige/tan, blues, browns, reds, and gold accents, creating a rich, historically evocative aesthetic.

FRONT SIDE: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE COSTA RICA' (Central Bank of Costa Rica); 'SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA' (San José, Costa Rica); 'marzo de 1979' (March 1979); 'ACUERDO DE LA JUNTA DIRECTIVA Nº 8' (Board of Directors Agreement No. 8); 'SERIE D' (Series D); 'RAFAEL YGLESIAS CASTRO' (name of historical figure); 'PRESIDENTE EJECUTIVO' (Executive President); 'GERENTE' (Manager); 'CINCO COLONES' (Five Colones). Serial numbers: D2874117 and D2874170. BACK SIDE: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE COSTA RICA' (Central Bank of Costa Rica); 'CINCO COLONES' (Five Colones); 'ALEGRÍA. TEATRO NACIONAL. J.VILLA 1897' (Joy. National Theater. J.Villa 1897—artwork attribution and creation date); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (printer identification).

This note was produced using intaglio engraving combined with multi-color offset lithography, executed by Thomas de la Rue & Company Limited of London, a leading security printer. The fine line engraving is evident throughout both sides in the ornamental borders, corner designs, and detailed portraiture. The vibrant color printing with precise color separation and registration demonstrates advanced offset lithographic techniques typical of TDLR's high-security currency production. The intricate fine-line work in the background details, scrollwork, and the elaborate port scene on the reverse exemplifies the sophisticated engraving and color printing capabilities that made TDLR a premier currency printer.

This is identified as Pick P-236d, one of three cataloged variants for this base denomination and issuer. The note is designated 'Serie D' (Series D), indicating it is from the fourth series issued during the 1977–1989 circulation period. The specific date of 'marzo de 1979' (March 1979) is shown as 'ACUERDO DE LA JUNTA DIRECTIVA Nº 8' (Board of Directors Agreement No. 8), which helps distinguish this from other issues. The collector's notation '22.03.79' likely refers to the March 22, 1979 board approval date. Serial number prefixes beginning with 'D' are consistent with Series D designation. No commemorative overprints are noted on this specimen (the catalog reference mentions overprinted varieties exist as P-241 and P-247).