2 colones 1979

Common. The eBay price tracking data shows multiple sales in recent years (2012-2024) with UNC examples selling for $7.16 to $18.27, and catalog values listed at $15 for UNC condition (2019 data). Regular circulation of sales at these modest price points, combined with the catalog value under $20, indicates this is a common issue with reasonable availability in the collector market. The Pick number P-116b designation suggests it is part of a standard series with multiple varieties.

This note was issued during a period of relative stability in El Salvador's banking system under the Banco Central de Reserva. The depicted Colonial Church of Panchimalco represents El Salvador's colonial architectural heritage, while the portrait of Christopher Columbus reflects the historical connection to Spanish colonial exploration and the broader Latin American historical narrative. The dual dating (1974 on front, 1979 on back) suggests this may be from a later printing or reissue of an earlier design.

The obverse features the Iglesia Colonial de Panchimalco, a colonial-era church building depicted as the central vignette with detailed architectural rendering showing the bell tower and carved facade. The church is flanked by symmetrical spiral decorative ornaments and the denomination '2' appears in all four corners. The color scheme combines gray, green, black, and beige tones. The reverse displays a classical engraved portrait of Christopher Columbus (Cristóbal Colón) in shoulder-length wavy hair within a circular medallion frame with concentric geometric security patterns. The background features fine linear patterns and geometric designs, with the denomination '2' again appearing in all four corners against a reddish-brown and maroon color palette. Both sides carry the standard bearer's promise and issuing authority inscriptions.

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 the bearer); 'SAN SALVADOR, 15 DE OCTUBRE DE 1974' (San Salvador, October 15, 1974); 'SERIE MC' (Series MC); Serial number '2368359' (appears twice); 'DOS COLONES' (Two Colones); 'IGLESIA COLONIAL DE PANCHIMALCO' (Colonial Church of Panchimalco); 'DIRECTOR,' 'PRESIDENTE,' 'GERENTE' (Director, President, Manager - signature lines). BACK: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DE EL SALVADOR' (Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador); '2' (denomination); 'CRISTOBAL COLON' (Christopher Columbus); 'San Salvador, 16 de Abril de 1979' (San Salvador, April 16, 1979); 'DOS COLONES' (Two Colones); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY LIMITED' (printer attribution).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving) executed by Thomas de la Rue & Company Limited, London. The visual analysis confirms fine line engraving throughout both sides with intricate cross-hatching patterns, concentric geometric security lines, and detailed background patterns characteristic of security printing from this era. No evidence of additional modern security features such as watermarks or security threads are described in the visual analysis.

This specific note is identified as Pick P-116b, indicating it is a variant within the P-116 series. The series designation 'MC' visible on the obverse and the dual dating (October 15, 1974 on front / April 16, 1979 on back) suggest this may be a later printing or reissue. The serial number 2368359 with series prefix MC is visible. The back inscription date of April 16, 1979 aligns with the catalog year designation of 1979 for this Pick number, distinguishing it from earlier 1972/1974 issues referenced in external catalogs.