1 colon 1952

Common. This note was part of a regular issue series (1950-1954) with dates spanning four years, indicating a substantial print run by the Banco Central de Reserva. eBay market data shows consistent sales activity with VF-grade examples typically trading in the $15-35 range, and even exceptional grades (PMG 65) selling under $100. The catalog value of $15 for VF condition further confirms this as a widely-available issue without scarcity premium.

This note was issued during the early years of the Banco Central de Reserva de El Salvador, which was established to manage the nation's monetary system in the mid-20th century. The imagery emphasizes El Salvador's economic identity: the coffee bush represents the country's dominant agricultural export that drove its economy, while Lake Coatepeque depicts one of the nation's significant natural landmarks. The reverse portrait of Columbus connects the Central American nation to its colonial heritage and European discovery narrative, reflecting mid-20th century numismatic design conventions.

The obverse features a horizontally-oriented landscape composition in predominantly pink and rose tones with gray and black line work. The left side displays a detailed botanical illustration of a coffee plant (Coffea arabica) with berries, a central symbol of El Salvadoran export wealth. The right side depicts Lake Coatepeque, the country's largest freshwater lake, rendered as a coastal or lakeside view with mountains and water features. The denomination numeral '1' appears in an ornate decorative cartouche at center. The reverse shifts to red and crimson coloring and features a classical engraved portrait of Christopher Columbus in period dress with curled hair, centered within an ornamental circular frame with scrollwork. Corner denomination cartouches frame the composition. Both sides employ fine-line security engraving and intricate decorative patterns throughout, with the printer's attribution to Waterlow & Sons London visible on the reverse.

FRONT: 'EL BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DE EL SALVADOR' (The Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador); 'SERIE VA' (Series VA); 'PAGARA AL PORTADOR UN COLON DE ACUERDO CON EL ARTICULO 25 DE SU LEY CONSTITUTIVA' (Will pay the bearer one colón in accordance with article 25 of its constitutional law); 'SAN SALVADOR 6 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 1952' (San Salvador, November 6, 1952); Serial number 3305051. BACK: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DE EL SALVADOR' (Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador); 'UN COLON' (One Colón); 'San Salvador, 19 de Enero de 1954' (San Salvador, January 19, 1954); 'WATERLOW & SONS LIMITED, LONDRES' (Waterlow & Sons Limited, London).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving/steel plate engraving), executed by Waterlow & Sons Limited of London. The fine, detailed line work visible throughout both sides, particularly in the security border patterns, botanical illustration, and portrait rendering, is characteristic of professional intaglio production. The multicolor effect was achieved through sequential passes with different colored inks, a standard technique for security printing of the era.

This specific example is dated 6 de Noviembre de 1952 (November 6, 1952) on the obverse with Series VA designation and serial number 3305051. The catalog notes that this issue exists with multiple dates across the 1950-1954 span (1950, 6.11.1952, and 17.3.1954 documented on realbanknotes.com). This November 1952 date variety is one of at least three documented date variants within the Pick P-87 type. The back date of 19 de Enero de 1954 (January 19, 1954) may indicate a later printing or signature variety that warrants further research into the complete range of back dates for this series.