100 colones 1970 specimen
Market Prices
About This Note
This is a 1970 specimen note from El Salvador's Central Reserve Bank, denominated in 100 colones and printed by the United States Banknote Corporation. The note features the Monument of Independence on the obverse and a classical bust portrait of Christopher Columbus on the reverse, both rendered in fine engraved detail with pink and olive-green underprinting. In uncirculated condition with clear red 'MUESTRA SIN VALOR' (specimen without value) overprints, this note represents an important early example of El Salvador's mid-20th century currency design and remains collectible for those interested in Central American numismatics.
Common. While this is a specimen note (which adds some collector interest beyond circulating issues), the eBay market data shows a wide range of asking prices ($19.99–$364.99 USD) with many UNC examples listed between $54.99–$299.99 USD, indicating reasonable availability in the secondary market. The 2019 catalogue value of $275 USD for UNC specimens and the presence of multiple listings at various price points suggest this is a well-known variety with adequate supply. No evidence of scarcity from the PMG population report (only 1 variant catalogued, but population data not provided). Specimen notes from USBNC-printed Central American currency are moderately collected but not scarce.
Issued on 12 May 1970 during a period of relative stability in El Salvador's monetary history, this note commemorates two foundational themes of El Salvadoran national identity: the Monument of Independence celebrating the nation's break from colonial rule, and Christopher Columbus, the explorer whose voyages initiated European presence in the Americas. The use of classical engraving and the formal presentation of these historical figures reflects the institutional authority and international credibility the Central Reserve Bank sought to project during this era of modernization.
The obverse presents a central oval vignette of the Monumento a la Independencia (Independence Monument of San Salvador), depicted as a tall obelisk with a stepped base—a symbol of El Salvador's national sovereignty. The design employs classical ornamental elements with decorative rosette designs in the corners bearing the denomination '100' in ochre and yellow. The reverse features a finely engraved classical bust portrait of Cristóbal Colón (Christopher Columbus) positioned at the left, rendered with period-appropriate wavy hair and facial features. The center of the reverse displays a large ornamental shield bearing the denomination '100' and 'COLONES' text. Both sides employ intricate scrollwork, fine line engraving, and ornamental border details characteristic of high-security currency design. The color scheme combines black and white line work with pink/red and olive-green underprinting, creating visual distinction and security depth.
FRONT: 'EL BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DE EL SALVADOR' (The Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador), 'SAN SALVADOR' (San Salvador), '12 DE MAYO DE 1970' (12 May 1970), 'MUESTRA SIN VALOR' (Specimen Without Value), 'SERIE DZ' (Series DZ), '0000000' (Serial number - specimen zeros), '100 OR' (100 Or/Colones), 'PAGADERA EN EFECTIVO AL PORTADOR' (Payable in Cash to Bearer), 'CIEN COLONES' (One Hundred Colones), 'DIRECTOR' (Director), 'PRESIDENTE' (President), 'GERENTE' (Manager). BACK: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DE EL SALVADOR' (Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador), 'MUESTRA SIN VALOR' (Specimen Without Value), 'CRISTOBAL COLON' (Christopher Columbus), 'CIEN COLONES' (One Hundred Colones), 'COLONES' (Colones), '100' (denomination), 'United States Banknote Corporation' (printer identification), '1 8 BN 49' (reference marking).
Intaglio engraving on steel plates, executed by the United States Banknote Corporation (USBNC), one of the world's premier currency printers of the era. The fine line engraving visible throughout both sides, the ornamental vignettes, and the complex portrait work are hallmarks of traditional intaglio currency production. The specimen overprints in red were applied as a security feature to identify these as non-negotiable presentation notes.
This is specifically catalogued as Pick P-114s, the specimen variety of the 1970 100 colones note. Key identifying features: Series DZ designation, serial number 0000000 (typical of specimens), red diagonal 'MUESTRA SIN VALOR' overprints on both obverse and reverse, and United States Banknote Corporation imprint. The date of issue is 12 de Mayo de 1970. No known major varieties of this specimen issue are documented; the PMG catalog indicates only this single variant for the base Pick number P-114s.
