2 colones 1977

Common. This note is part of a regular issue series with substantial circulation, as evidenced by eBay market data showing UNC examples selling in the $7–$18 range (2012–2016 and 2024), with catalog values (2019) listing UNC at $15. The Pick P-116b designation indicates this is a standard, widely-produced issue from the Banco Central de Reserva de El Salvador. The observed condition (moderate wear, creasing, discoloration) is typical of circulated examples from this era, and the denomination and issuing authority were stable and non-commemorative, ensuring large print runs.

Issued by the Banco Central de Reserva de El Salvador on September 14, 1977, this note represents the Bank's mid-1970s currency circulation during a period of political and economic transition in El Salvador. The obverse features the Iglesia Colonial de Panchimalco, a significant architectural landmark reflecting the nation's colonial heritage, while the reverse honors Christopher Columbus, linking El Salvador to broader Latin American historical narratives of European exploration and settlement. The continued circulation of this denomination through the late 1970s reflects El Salvador's monetary stability during this transitional decade.

The obverse features a detailed engraved rendering of the Iglesia Colonial de Panchimalco, a multi-tiered colonial church facade positioned at center, with decorative spiral scrollwork borders flanking the composition on left and right sides. The denomination '2' appears in ornate frames at all four corners in black on a multicolored underprint of gray, black, beige/cream, and green tones. Series designation 'SERIE MA' and the serial number (0863577) in red ink appear on the left, with 'DOS COLONES' and additional serial data on the right. The reverse shifts to a red/maroon and burgundy color scheme, featuring a classical portrait of Christopher Columbus in period dress (long wavy hair, formal attire) centered within an ornate circular medallion frame. A coat of arms or seal appears on the left side, with the denomination '2' again in ornate frames at all four corners. The back is dominated by fine line engraving with intricate background patterns serving security printing purposes.

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, 15 DE OCTUBRE DE 1974' (San Salvador, October 15, 1974) | 'SERIE MA' (Series MA) | 'DOS COLONES' (Two colones) | 'IGLESIA COLONIAL DE PANCHIMALCO' (Colonial Church of Panchimalco) | 'DIRECTOR', 'PRESIDENTE', 'GERENTE' (Director, President, Manager - signature lines) | Serial number: 0863577. BACK: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DE EL SALVADOR' (Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador) | 'DOS COLONES' (Two colones) | 'San Salvador, 14 de Septiembre de 1977' (San Salvador, September 14, 1977) | 'CRISTÓBAL COLÓN' (Christopher Columbus) | 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY LIMITED' (printer attribution).

This note was produced using intaglio (line engraving) printing by Thomas De La Rue & Company Limited, London, as credited on the reverse. The fine line engraving technique is evident throughout both sides, with detailed portraiture (Columbus), architectural rendering (Panchimalco church), and ornamental borders demonstrating the high-resolution capabilities of this security printing method. Security features include fine line engraving throughout, colored underprinting on the obverse, red serial number printing, and intricate background patterns designed to deter counterfeiting. The multi-color printing on the obverse and the distinct red/burgundy palette of the reverse indicate sophisticated color separation and registration typical of Thomas De La Rue's mid-20th century production standards.

This specific note is identified as Series MA with serial number 0863577. The Pick catalog number P-116b indicates this is a later printing or variant of the 2 Colones issue (references to P-116a and later P-124 suggest a series of related designs). The date discrepancy between the obverse (October 15, 1974) and reverse (September 14, 1977) is consistent with the catalog designation P-116b for the 1977 issue, suggesting the reverse plate was updated while the obverse plate retained its original date. This design combination (1974 obverse date with 1977 reverse date) is characteristic of P-116b and distinguishes it from earlier varieties.