25 centavos 1886

Common. This note is a remainder banknote (unissued/unsigned), which likely affected its circulation and survival rates. However, eBay market data shows consistent sales activity with AUNC examples selling for approximately $159.50 and PMG 55 graded notes at $100.99, indicating steady collector demand but not exceptional scarcity. The VF condition grade specified in the provided data places this example in the middle range of the market. The print run for this 1886 denomination from the Puerto Plata issuer appears to have been sufficient to make the note obtainable for collectors without extreme difficulty or premium pricing. Unless this specific variety (Series A, serial 282820) is documented as a particularly short run, the default assessment is common with moderate collector interest.

This note was issued during a period of significant banking development in the Dominican Republic, when regional credit companies like the Puerto Plata institution were establishing financial infrastructure across the island. The prominent display of Christopher Columbus on the obverse reflects the historical significance of Dominican identity and colonial heritage during this era. The bilingual inscription referencing the American Bank Note Company as printer underscores the Dominican Republic's reliance on foreign security printers for high-quality banknote production in the late 19th century.

The obverse features a portrait identified as Christopher Columbus based on catalog references, depicted as a bearded male figure in period dress within a finely engraved oval frame on the left side. The portrait is rendered in black ink against the tan and brown underprint characteristic of the note's color scheme. The denomination '25' is prominently displayed in the center-right within a scalloped circular cartouche. Ornate decorative borders with intricate geometric patterns and floral scrollwork frame the entire composition, typical of American Bank Note Company's refined security printing aesthetic. The reverse displays the Dominican coat of arms—featuring a cross and shield design with the words 'PATRIA' (Homeland) and 'LIBERTAD' (Liberty)—centered within a circular medallion. Large denomination numerals '25' appear in scalloped rectangular frames on both left and right sides. A Greek key pattern border with floral elements decorates the reverse, executed in green/teal ink on a cream background. The overall design demonstrates the high-quality engraving standards of ABNC's late 19th-century production.

FRONT SIDE: 'BANCO DE LA COMPAÑÍA DE CRÉDITO' (Bank of the Credit Company) / 'PUERTO PLATA' (Puerto Plata) / 'SERIE A' (Series A) / '25' (denomination) / 'PAGARÁ AL PORTADOR A PRESENTACIÓN' (Will pay to the bearer on presentation) / 'Veinticinco Centavos' (Twenty-five Cents) / 'EN MONEDA CORRIENTE' (In current currency) / 'EL TESORERO' (The Treasurer) / 'EL PRESIDENTE' (The President) / 'American Bank Note Co. New York' (printer attribution) / '282820' (serial number, appears twice). BACK SIDE: '25' (denomination, appears twice on left and right) / 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY, NEW YORK.' (printer name) / 'RECIBIRÁ ADMITE POR EL VALOR QUE REPRESENTA COMO MONEDA LEGAL, EN LAS OFICINAS DEL BANCO.' (Will receive, admits for the value it represents as legal currency, in the bank's offices) / 'PATRIA' (Homeland) / 'LIBERTAD' (Liberty).

Steel plate engraving with intaglio printing, characteristic of American Bank Note Company's premium banknote production. The fine line work, intricate geometric borders, complex floral scrollwork, and detailed coat of arms engraving visible throughout the note confirm the use of multiple engraved steel plates—one for black printing (portrait and text on obverse), one for brown/tan underprint, and one for green printing on the reverse. No evidence of lithography or chromolithography is present; the precise, clean lines and fine security patterns are consistent with ABNC's signature intaglio methodology of this period.

This note is identified as Pick S101a, indicating it is cataloged as a remainder (unsigned) specimen. The obverse inscription shows 'SERIE A' (Series A), and the serial number visible is '282820' (appearing twice on the note). The catalog reference data notes this as an 'unsigned remainder,' which is a distinct variety from issued and signed examples. The year on the note reads '188[6]' (partially visible as '188'), confirming the 1886 dating. If signed examples exist, they would constitute a different Pick variety. The presence of the full 'American Bank Note Co. New York' imprint and the specific color scheme (black on green and brown underprint per catalog data) are consistent with the P-S101a designation.