5 colones 1979

Common. The 1979 Costa Rican 5 colones (Pick P-236d) was issued in substantial quantities by the Banco Central de Costa Rica and remains widely available in the collector market. No significant print run restrictions, recall events, or supply scarcities are documented for this series and denomination. While the UNC condition grade is desirable, the note itself does not command premium pricing characteristic of rare issues, indicating robust availability across condition grades.

Issued by the Banco Central de Costa Rica in 1979, this note commemorates the nation's historical development through its reverse design—an allegory scene created by J. Villa in 1897, originally associated with the National Theater. Rafael Yglesias Castro, depicted on the obverse, served as a significant political figure in Costa Rica's executive history. The note's design reflects the nation's pride in its cultural institutions and leadership during the late 19th and 20th centuries.

The obverse features a formal portrait of Rafael Yglesias Castro in profile facing left, distinguished by his prominent mustache and formal 19th-century attire. He is positioned on the left side of the note with ornamental floral designs in pink and purple tones adorning the right side. Intricate corner ornaments and decorative flourishes frame all four corners. The reverse depicts an elaborate historical allegory scene—a complex composition showing multiple figures engaged in period activities near sailing ships with visible masts, palm trees, and maritime/agricultural settings. The scene, attributed to artist J. Villa from 1897, represents Costa Rica's development and commercial heritage. Ornate circular medallions containing the numeral '5' occupy the upper corners, surrounded by elaborate botanical designs including fruits, flowers, and foliage elements. The entire note is framed by an ornamental border with floral and geometric patterns.

FRONT: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE COSTA RICA' (Central Bank of Costa Rica); 'SAN JOSE COSTA RICA' (San Jose Costa Rica); 'Octubre 18, 1979' (October 18, 1979); 'ACUERDO DE LA JUNTA DIRECTIVA No 6' (Agreement of the Board of Directors Number 6); 'SERIE D' (Series D); 'RAFAEL YGLESIAS CASTRO' (portrait subject); 'PRESIDENTE EJECUTIVO' (Executive President); 'GERENTE' (Manager); 'CINCO COLONES' (Five Colones); Serial number 'D3178311'. BACK: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE COSTA RICA' (Central Bank of Costa Rica); 'CINCO COLONES' (Five Colones); '5' (denomination numeral); 'ALEGORIA, TEATRO NACIONAL, J. VILLA 1897' (Allegory, National Theater, J. Villa 1897); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (printer attribution).

Intaglio engraving (steel plate engraving) executed by Thomas De La Rue & Company, Limited, a renowned international security printer. The note exhibits fine line engraving throughout with intricate cross-hatching patterns and complex background designs characteristic of premium banknote production. The multicolored historical allegory on the reverse demonstrates advanced multi-color engraving and offset printing techniques required for detailed pictorial scenes. Security features include fine-line patterning, decorative security designs, and serial numbers printed in red and black.

This specimen is identified as Series D based on the 'SERIE D' inscription visible on the obverse. The serial number format 'D3178311' confirms the Series D variety. Pick P-236d specifically denotes the 1979 issue with the October 18, 1979 date. The signature block and board agreement number (No 6) are consistent with notes from this printing period. No known major varieties (such as significant overprints, signature variants, or date variants) are documented for this Pick number beyond the established Series D designation.