1 colon 1982 specimen
Market Prices
About This Note
This is an uncirculated 1982 specimen note from El Salvador's Central Reserve Bank, featuring the Cerron Grande Dam on the obverse and a portrait of Christopher Columbus on the reverse. The note exhibits vibrant colors, sharp printing, and the characteristic red diagonal 'MUESTRA SIN VALOR' (specimen without value) overprint, with no visible wear or damage consistent with UNC grade. As a specimen note from this relatively modern era, it represents an interesting piece of Central American numismatic history and is sought after by collectors of specimen notes and Latin American currency.
Common. Specimen notes from the 1980s, while not circulated, were produced in sufficient quantities for banking distribution purposes. eBay market data shows typical UNC examples trading in the $20-40 range, with 2019 catalogue values around $100 (reflecting specialized collector premium for specimens). The relatively recent date (1982), straightforward design without unusual errors or varieties, and availability in the secondary market all indicate this is a common specimen note. Specimen notes in general are less available than circulation issues but are not particularly scarce.
This 1 Colón note was issued on June 3, 1982 (front date) and June 22, 1982 (back date), during a period of significant development in El Salvador. The Cerron Grande Dam depicted on the obverse represents the country's hydroelectric infrastructure projects of the era, while the reverse honors Christopher Columbus, reflecting El Salvador's historical connection to Spanish colonial exploration. The specimen status indicates this note was produced for distribution to other banks and institutions rather than for circulation, serving as an official record of the currency design.
The obverse features a landscape central vignette depicting the Cerron Grande hydroelectric dam with its water reservoir, surrounding mountains, vegetation, and associated infrastructure buildings, rendered in green, gray, brown, and cream tones. The denomination '1' appears in all four corners with ornamental designs. Series designation 'GM' is positioned on both sides, with the date and location 'SAN SALVADOR, 3 DE JUNIO DE 1982' on the left. The reverse displays a centrally positioned circular portrait of Christopher Columbus within an ornamental oval frame, with the El Salvador national coat of arms (featuring pyramids and national insignia) positioned on the right side. All four corners bear the denomination '1', and ornamental rosette patterns and decorative borders frame the design. Both sides feature the red diagonal specimen overprint.
FRONT: 'EL BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DE EL SALVADOR' (The Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador); 'PAGARÁ EN EFECTIVO AL PORTADOR' (Will pay in cash to the bearer); 'SAN SALVADOR, 3 DE JUNIO DE 1982' (San Salvador, June 3, 1982); 'UN COLON' (One Colón); 'SERIE GM' (Series GM); 'MUESTRA SIN VALOR' (Specimen without value); 'DIRECTOR' (Director); 'PRESIDENTE' (President). BACK: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DE EL SALVADOR' (Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador); 'UN COLON' (One Colón); 'San Salvador, 22 de Junio de 1982' (San Salvador, June 22, 1982); 'MUESTRA SIN VALOR' (Specimen without value); 'CRISTOBAL COLON' (Christopher Columbus); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (Thomas De La Rue & Company, Limited).
Intaglio engraving with multicolor printing on the obverse (green, gray, brown, cream underprint with black primary colors) and red/pink with black printing on the reverse. The note was produced by Thomas De La Rue & Company, Limited, London, one of the world's premier currency security printers. The intricate line work, fine details in the portraits and vignettes, and ornamental corner designs are characteristic of high-quality intaglio engraving used for official currency production.
This is catalogued as Pick P-133As, the 's' suffix indicating specimen status. The visual analysis confirms this is a true specimen with the 'MUESTRA SIN VALOR' overprint and placeholder serial number zeros. The series designation 'GM' is noted. The PMG population report indicates P-133Aa as a variant, suggesting minor differences may exist between specimen printings, though this specific example appears to be the standard specimen variety. The date discrepancy between front (June 3) and back (June 22) is characteristic of this note type and not unusual for 1982 specimen printings.
