100 colones 1978 specimen

Common. While specimen notes command moderate premiums over their circulating counterparts, this 1974-1979 series was produced in substantial quantities by Thomas de la Rue for the Banco Central de Reserva de El Salvador. eBay market data shows consistent availability with specimen/UNC examples ranging from $189-$350 USD, indicating regular collector demand and supply. The 2019 catalogue value of $60 UNC and the PMG population report showing only one catalogued variant suggest this is a straightforward, readily obtainable specimen in the secondary market rather than a scarce printing.

Issued during 1974-1979, this note commemorates two pivotal elements of El Salvadoran heritage: the pre-Columbian Tazumal pyramid at Chalchuapa, one of Mesoamerica's significant archaeological sites, and Christopher Columbus, the European explorer whose voyages initiated the colonial encounter that shaped Central American history. The Banco Central de Reserva de El Salvador, established as the nation's central monetary authority, issued this denomination during a period of relative economic activity in the country.

The obverse features a landscape vignette of the Pirámide del Tazumal (Tazumal Pyramid), a stepped pre-Columbian archaeological structure located in Chalchuapa, El Salvador, depicted with surrounding vegetation and architectural detail at center. The Salvadoran coat of arms appears at lower right, featuring a shield containing three volcanic peaks (representing the country's geography) with a liberty cap atop. Denomination numerals '100' appear in ornamental corners with decorative scrollwork. The reverse presents a formal oval-framed portrait of Cristóbal Colón (Christopher Columbus) as a bearded historical figure in period dress, positioned at center-left, with denomination '100' and text repeated around the periphery. Both sides feature intricate ornamental borders and cross-hatching characteristic of high-security engraving.

FRONT: 'EL BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DE EL SALVADOR' (The Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador); 'SAN SALVADOR' (San Salvador); 'II DE MAYO DE 1978' (May 11, 1978); 'PAGARÁ EN EFECTIVO AL PORTADOR' (Will pay in cash to bearer); 'SERIE HZ' (Series HZ); 'CIEN COLONES' (One Hundred Colones); 'MUESTRA SIN VALOR' (Specimen, No Value); 'DIRECTOR' (Director); 'PRESIDENTE' (President); 'GERENTE' (Manager); '0000000' (Specimen serial number). BACK: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DE EL SALVADOR' (Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador); '100' / 'CIEN COLONES' (One Hundred Colones); 'CRISTOBAL COLÓN' (Christopher Columbus); 'MUESTRA SIN VALOR' (Specimen, No Value); '1978' (Year of issue).

Intaglio engraving (letterpress/steel engraving) executed by Thomas de la Rue, London, one of the world's premier security printers. The note exhibits the hallmark characteristics of De la Rue's work: fine line engraving, complex cross-hatching patterns, detailed portrait work, and precise registration of multiple color separations. The red specimen overprint was applied post-production as a security marking to distinguish non-circulating examples.

This note is catalogued as Pick P-122s (specimen variant). The 's' suffix denotes its status as a specimen note with 'MUESTRA SIN VALOR' overprint and zeroed serial number (0000000). Series HZ is noted on the obverse. No significant varieties are known for this particular specimen type; the note represents the standard specimen printing of the 100 Colones denomination from the 1974-1979 issue period. The May 11, 1978 date shown aligns with the documented issue period for this Pick number.