1 colon 1957

Common. This is a regular-issue note from a 10-year circulation period (1955-1960 per external catalog data, with actual 1957 issue date confirmed by inscriptions). eBay sales data shows consistent availability across multiple grades from 2011-2025, with VF examples selling for $14-$28 and UNC bringing $304 in 2024. The 2016 catalog values of $1-$17.50 across grades further confirm widespread availability. No evidence of short print runs or rarity factors.

Issued during a period of monetary stability under the Banco Central de Reserva de El Salvador, this 1957 one colón note reflects the nation's economic aspirations through its imagery. The inclusion of the architectural rendering of the new Central Reserve Bank building on the obverse symbolizes modernization and institutional confidence in post-war El Salvador, while the reversal featuring Christopher Columbus connects the nation's identity to its colonial heritage and hemispheric significance.

The obverse features a carefully composed design in pink and light purple tones with ornate geometric borders in all four corners. The coffee plant (representing El Salvador's principal export commodity) is positioned at the lower left, rendered in fine botanical detail. The central focus is an ornamental circular frame containing the numeral '1'. To the right stands an architectural rendering of the multi-story Central Reserve Bank building, depicted with regular gridwork windows characteristic of mid-20th century institutional design. The reverse employs a red and coral color scheme and centers on a portrait of Christopher Columbus facing forward within an ornate circular frame, flanked by large '1' numerals. A circular institutional seal appears on the left. Throughout both sides, intricate decorative rosettes, scrollwork, and floral patterns fill the corners and margins.

FRONT: 'EL BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DE EL SALVADOR' (The Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador); 'SERIE BL' (Series BL); 'PAGARA AL PORTADOR UN COLON DE ACUERDO CON EL ARTICULO 35 DE SU LEY CONSTITUTIVA' (Will pay the bearer one colón in accordance with article 35 of its constitutional law); 'SAN SALVADOR 28 de ENERO de 1957' (San Salvador, January 28, 1957); 'DIRECTOR', 'PRESIDENTE', 'CAJERO' (Director, President, Cashier); 'WATERLOW & SONS LIMITED, LONDRES' (Waterlow & Sons Limited, London). BACK: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DE EL SALVADOR' (Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador); 'UN COLON' (One Colón); 'San Salvador, 27 de Noviembre de 1957' (San Salvador, November 27, 1957).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving and steel plate printing), as evidenced by the fine line work, complex cross-hatching patterns, detailed shading in the portrait, and the crisp impression of ornamental borders characteristic of the London security printer Waterlow & Sons Limited. The multi-color printing was achieved through separate color separation plates, with the paper incorporating a metal security thread as noted in contemporary catalog references.

This note is cataloged as Pick-90b, with Pick catalog data indicating a P-90a variant also exists (both with W&S printer markings). The visual analysis shows Series 'BL' designation with serial number 7054225. The note exhibits the standard design issued from 1956-1960, with dates of 'January 28, 1957' (front, presumably authorization/approval date) and 'November 27, 1957' (back, likely another official date). The observation of the coffee bush, Central Bank building, and Christopher Columbus portrait confirms alignment with catalog design descriptions.