2 colones 1974

Common. This is a standard-circulation issue from the Central Bank of El Salvador's regular 2 Colones series (P-116a). The eBay market data provided shows recent UNC sales in the $48-51 range (May 2025), with catalog values of $17.50 for UNC condition (2019 pricing). The consistent market activity and modest price point indicate stable, steady supply. No print run restrictions, recall history, or short-issue period complications are known for this Pick number. The visual evidence of circulation marks and the straightforward design without special commemorative status further supports common classification.

This note was issued during El Salvador's period of economic development in the early 1970s, following the Central Bank's 1965 currency reform. The Iglesia Colonial de Panchimalco depicted on the obverse represents the nation's colonial heritage and architectural significance, while the selection of Christopher Columbus as the reverse design reflects Latin American emphasis on historical European explorers. The dual dating (October 24, 1972 on the front and February 25, 1974 on the back) indicates this note was part of a multi-year circulation series authorized by the Central Bank of El Salvador.

The obverse features the Iglesia Colonial de Panchimalco (a two-story baroque-style colonial church with ornamental tower, arches, and architectural detailing) centered as the primary design element. The denomination numeral '2' appears in all four corners with decorative spiral motifs. A multicolored security underprint in green and yellow tones occupies the left portion, while 'DOS COLONES' is prominently displayed on the right. The reverse displays a classical portrait of Cristóbal Colón (Christopher Columbus) rendered in fine engraving lines within an oval frame. The Central Bank of El Salvador coat of arms seal appears on the left side of the reverse. Both sides employ decorative geometric borders and corner flourishes consistent with high-security banknote design standards. The color palette utilizes black overprints on multicolored backgrounds (greens, yellows, reds, tans on obverse; maroons and burgundy on reverse) to create visual distinction and security.

FRONT: 'EL BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DE EL SALVADOR' = 'The Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador'; 'PAGARA EN EFECTIVO AL PORTADOR' = 'Will pay in cash to bearer'; 'SAN SALVADOR, 24 DE OCTUBRE DE 1972' = 'San Salvador, October 24, 1972'; 'IGLESIA COLONIAL DE PANCHIMALCO' = 'Colonial Church of Panchimalco'; 'DOS COLONES' = 'Two Colones'; 'SERIE AC' = 'Series AC'; Serial number 1645636. BACK: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DE EL SALVADOR' = 'Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador'; 'SUPERINTENDENCIA DE BANCOS E INSTITUCIONES DE CREDITO' = 'Superintendency of Banks and Credit Institutions'; 'CRISTOBAL COLON' = 'Christopher Columbus'; 'SAN SALVADOR, 25 DE FEBRERO DE 1974' = 'San Salvador, February 25, 1974'; 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' = printer attribution; 'DOS COLONES' = 'Two Colones'.

Intaglio engraving with multicolor offset printing, executed by Thomas De La Rue & Company Limited of London—a renowned security printer. The fine line engraving is evident throughout, particularly in the architectural detail of Panchimalco church and the portrait medallion of Columbus. The security features visible in the visual analysis include finely detailed geometric pattern backgrounds and the integration of colored security underprints, all characteristic of De La Rue's advanced offset-intaglio hybrid security printing techniques of the early 1970s.

This example represents the 1974 date variety (P-116a specifically), as indicated by the reverse date of February 25, 1974, distinguishing it from the 1972 issue (P-116). The series designation 'AC' is visible on the obverse. Serial number observed: 1645636. Multiple date varieties exist for this denomination—the external references note both 1972 and 1974 printings. The presence of two different signature blocks (visible in the visual analysis with spaces for DIRECTOR, PRESIDENTE, and GERENTE) may indicate later-year printing variants, though specific signature combinations would require additional cross-reference data to precisely classify.