2 colones 1972 specimen
Market Prices
About This Note
This is an uncirculated 1972 specimen note of 2 colones from El Salvador's central bank, featuring exceptional intaglio engraving of the Colonial Church of Panchimalco on the obverse and a profile portrait of Christopher Columbus on the reverse. The note displays the characteristic red 'MUESTRA SIN VALOR' (specimen without value) overprint diagonally across both sides, with specimen serial number 0000000, and represents a well-preserved example of mid-20th century Central American currency design by the renowned British security printer Thomas de la Rue.
Common. While specimen notes are typically produced in smaller quantities than circulation issues, the eBay market data shows consistent availability across multiple condition grades with prices ranging from $12.99 to $875.00 USD, with the majority of UNC examples trading between $29.99 and $224.90, suggesting adequate supply in the collector market. The 2019 catalog value of $30 for UNC specimens further indicates this is a standard, regularly-available issue rather than a scarce variety.
Issued on October 24, 1972, this banknote reflects El Salvador's monetary system during a period of relative stability under the Banco Central de Reserva. The choice to honor Christopher Columbus on the reverse connects to the broader Latin American historical narrative of European exploration and colonial heritage, while the depiction of the Iglesia Colonial de Panchimalco on the obverse celebrates El Salvador's indigenous colonial architectural heritage and cultural identity.
The obverse features a centered vignette of the Iglesia Colonial de Panchimalco, a multi-story colonial-era church building rendered in fine detail with ornate architectural elements including bell towers and decorative stonework. Ornamental scrollwork and flourishes occupy the corners with large denomination numerals '2' positioned prominently on both sides. The reverse displays a classical profile portrait of Christopher Columbus (Cristóbal Colón) within an ornate circular medallion frame, surrounded by symmetrical decorative border patterns and geometric designs in maroon/burgundy tones. Both sides incorporate fine line engraving and intricate detail work characteristic of high-security currency production. The specimen designation 'MUESTRA SIN VALOR' appears diagonally across both sides in red overprint.
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 bearer) / 'SAN SALVADOR, 24 DE OCTUBRE DE 1972' (San Salvador, October 24, 1972) / 'SERIE AB' (Series AB) / 'DOS COLONES' (Two Colones) / 'IGLESIA COLONIAL DE PANCHIMALCO' (Colonial Church of Panchimalco) / 'MUESTRA SIN VALOR' (Specimen without value) / 'DIRECTOR' / 'PRESIDENTE' (President) / 'GERENTE' (Manager). BACK: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DE EL SALVADOR' (Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador) / 'CRISTOBAL COLON' (Christopher Columbus) / 'DOS COLONES' (Two Colones) / 'MUESTRA SIN VALOR' (Specimen without value) / 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (printer identification).
Intaglio (engraved) printing using steel dies, executed by Thomas de la Rue & Company Limited, London, as identified on the reverse. The fine line engraving, intricate detail work on architectural elements, ornamental borders, and precise geometric patterns are all hallmarks of classical intaglio security printing. The red specimen overprint was applied separately to the finished sheets.
This is specifically identified as Pick P-116s, the specimen version of the 1972 issue (the 's' suffix denoting specimen status). The note carries Series AB designation and specimen serial number 0000000. The date shown is 24 DE OCTUBRE DE 1972. A related later issue (P-124) exists from 1974 with similar design elements. The specimen overprint and zero serial numbers are standard for this variety and confirm this as an official bank specimen rather than a circulation note.
