2 colones 1976 specimen

Common. While specimen notes are generally less common than circulation issues, this particular Pick number (P-124s) appears regularly in the collector market at modest valuations. The eBay price data showing a PMG 64 example selling for $99 in 2021 and catalog values around $100 UNC indicate steady but unremarkable demand. The note was produced in sufficient quantities for banking distribution and has remained available to collectors without significant scarcity.

Issued on June 24, 1976, this note was produced during a period of relative stability for El Salvador's Central Reserve Bank (Banco Central de Reserva de El Salvador). The denomination imagery reflects the nation's cultural and colonial heritage: the Panchimalco church represents El Salvador's architectural patrimony dating to the colonial era, while Christopher Columbus serves as a symbol of Hispanic American identity and the era of European exploration. This specimen was distributed to banking institutions and international currency collectors as an example of the country's official currency design and printing standards.

The obverse features a cream and beige background with dark ornamental scrollwork and decorative flourishes in the corners, anchoring the central architectural vignette of the Iglesia Colonial de Panchimalco—a multi-story baroque colonial church rendered in fine detail with visible arched windows, doorway, and stonework characteristic of 16th-17th century Spanish colonial ecclesiastical architecture. The denomination 'DOS COLONES' appears prominently at both left and right. The reverse displays a maroon and mauve background with fine line engraving patterns throughout. The dominant design element is a historical portrait medallion of Christopher Columbus shown in left profile with curled period-appropriate hair and 18th-century dress, enclosed within an ornamental circular frame. Large denomination numerals appear at the corners, and a shield-bearing coat of arms or national emblem is positioned on the right side. The Thomas de la Rue printer imprint appears at the bottom.

Front side: '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, 24 DE JUNIO DE 1976' (San Salvador, June 24, 1976); 'DOS COLONES' (Two colones); 'SERIE GA' (Series GA); 'IGLESIA COLONIAL DE PANCHIMALCO' (Colonial Church of Panchimalco); 'MUESTRA SIN VALOR' (Specimen without value); 'DIRECTOR' (Director); 'PRESIDENTE' (President); 'GERENTE' (Manager). Back side: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DE EL SALVADOR' (Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador); 'DOS COLONES' (Two colones); 'CRISTOBAL COLON' (Christopher Columbus); 'MUESTRA SIN VALOR' (Specimen without value); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY LIMITED' (printer attribution).

Intaglio engraving (relief printing), executed by Thomas de la Rue & Company Limited, London. The fine line engraving is evident throughout both sides of the note, particularly visible in the portrait medallion detail, ornamental borders, architectural rendering, and background patterns. The multicolor printing capability demonstrates the security printer's advanced chromatic separation technique typical of high-security currency production in the 1970s.

This note is identified as Pick P-124s (specimen variety), distinguished by the red 'MUESTRA SIN VALOR' (specimen without value) overprint and red serial number printing (as opposed to standard black printing on circulation notes). The observed series designation is 'SERIE GA' with serial numbers 9000000 and 000000 in red ink, typical of specimen production. PMG has catalogued this as variant P-124a in their population records. The June 24, 1976 date and Thomas de la Rue printing imprint are consistent across this issuance.