1 colon 1956
Market Prices
18 salesAbout This Note
This is a VF-graded 1 Colón banknote from El Salvador dated February 15, 1956, issued by the Banco Central de Reserva de El Salvador. The note features distinctive purple/mauve obverse and red/pink reverse colorations with fine engraving work by Waterlow & Sons of London. The note exhibits the characteristic aging patina and foxing typical of 1950s currency, with well-preserved details including the coffee plant illustration, the Central Bank's projected new building, and a portrait medallion on the reverse, making it an attractive example of mid-20th century Central American currency.
Common. eBay market data shows consistent sales activity across multiple condition grades over the past 15 years, with VF examples regularly selling in the $15–$28 range historically and catalog valuations listing VF at $2.50 as of 2016. The note's print run was substantial enough to ensure regular availability in the secondary market. While the 1956 issue is part of a series spanning 1955–1960, this particular date is not documented as a short-run or scarce variant. The consistent presence of graded examples in PMG records and frequent marketplace transactions confirm this as a standard, widely-circulated issue.
This 1956 issue represents the Banco Central de Reserva de El Salvador's commitment to modernizing the nation's currency infrastructure during the post-war era. The prominent depiction of the bank's projected new building on the obverse reflects the institution's institutional pride and development aspirations. The reverse portrait, identified as Christopher Columbus, connects El Salvador's identity to its colonial historical roots while the coffee plant imagery underscores the nation's primary export commodity and economic foundation during this period.
The obverse features a purple and mauve color scheme with ornate classical borders and guilloché patterns. The left side displays a detailed botanical illustration of a coffee plant with leaves and berries—El Salvador's most significant agricultural export. The right side showcases an architectural rendering of the Banco Central de Reserva's projected new building, a modern multi-story institutional structure representing progressive development. Large ornamental numerals '1' appear in all four corners within decorative frames, with rosette patterns at the cardinal points. The reverse presents a red and pink palette dominated by a central portrait medallion of Christopher Columbus in period dress with curled hair, symbolizing the nation's colonial heritage. Flanking the portrait are large numeral '1' denominations, and a circular official seal stamp appears on the left. Both sides employ fine line engraving and intricate decorative elements characteristic of high-security banknote design of the era.
OBVERSE: 'EL BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DE EL SALVADOR' (The Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador) | 'SERIE BC' (Series BC) | Serial number: 8311420 | 'PAGARA AL PORTADOR UN COLON DE ACUERDO CON EL ARTICULO 25 DE SU LEY CONSTITUTIVA' (Will pay to the bearer one colón in accordance with article 25 of its constitutional law) | 'SAN SALVADOR 15 de FEBRERO de 1956' (San Salvador, 15th of February 1956) | 'BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DE EL SALVADOR PROYECTO DE SU NUEVO EDIFICIO' (Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador - Project of its new building) | 'PRESIDENTE' (President) | 'CAJERO' (Cashier) | 'WATERLOW & SONS LIMITED, LONDRES' (Waterlow & Sons Limited, London). REVERSE: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DE EL SALVADOR' (Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador) | 'UN COLON' (One colón) | 'San Salvador 6 de Diciembre de 1856' (San Salvador, 6th of December 1856) | 'WATERLOW & SONS LIMITED, LONDRES' (Waterlow & Sons Limited, London).
Intaglio engraving (line engraving), the principal security printing method for banknotes of this period. The note was produced by Waterlow & Sons Limited of London, one of the world's premier security printers. The visual analysis reveals characteristic fine line work, complex guilloché patterns, and intricate portrait engraving typical of intaglio production. The precise registration of multiple color layers (purple/mauve obverse, red/pink reverse) indicates skillful conventional multi-pass printing. The paper contains a security metal thread as noted in catalog references, an additional anti-counterfeiting measure standard for Central American currency of this era.
This note corresponds to Pick 90b, the 1956 date variant of the 1 Colón series issued 1955–1960. The catalog notes that Pick 90a also exists as a variant designation by Waterlow & Sons (W&S printer). The obverse date of February 15, 1956 and reverse date reference of December 6, 1856 (a historical reference date, not the actual printing year) are standard for this variety. Serial number 8311420 with 'SERIE BC' prefix represents the standard numbering scheme for this issue. No overprints, signature variations, or commemorative marks are noted in the visual analysis, indicating this is a standard-issue example without special variety designation.
