25 colones 1978

Common. The 25 Colones denomination from the 1978 series represents a standard circulation issue from El Salvador's central bank with no documented short print runs or recall history. While the PMG 65 EPQ grade represents gem uncirculated condition (which is less common than circulated examples), the underlying note type itself is not rare. These notes remain readily available in the secondary market and typically command modest premiums reflecting their grade rather than inherent scarcity.

Issued by the Banco Central de Reserva de El Salvador on May 2, 1978, this note commemorates Christopher Columbus, whose voyages initiated European contact with the Americas, while the reverse imagery of Puerto de Acajutla reflects El Salvador's economic importance as a maritime trading nation. The port scene underscores the country's commercial infrastructure during the late 1970s, a period of relative economic activity before the political turmoil of the following decade. The dual imagery—Columbus as historical/symbolic figure and the port as contemporary economic reality—represents the nation's connection between its colonial past and modern development.

The obverse presents a portrait of Christopher Columbus (Cristóbal Colón), rendered in classical intaglio style with careful attention to his 18th-century costume, including his distinctive long curled hair. The portrait is set within an ornate oval frame surrounded by decorative architectural elements and the national seal on the left side. The color scheme is predominantly blue and purple. The reverse showcases Puerto de Acajutla, El Salvador's major Pacific port facility, depicted through a detailed engraving of a cargo vessel moored at the dock with harbor infrastructure visible. The design uses grayscale with blue tints and is framed by ornate corner medallions containing the denomination. Both sides feature the denomination numeral '25' prominently positioned in all four corners, and the note displays the issuing bank's name, legal tender promise ('pagará en efectivo al portador'), and dual dates of issue.

FRONT: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DE EL SALVADOR' (Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador), 'VEINTICINCO COLONES' (Twenty-five Colones), 'San Salvador, 9 de Junio de 1978' (San Salvador, June 9, 1978), 'CRISTOBAL COLON' (Christopher Columbus), denomination '25' in all corners. BACK: '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' (San Salvador), 'II DE MAYO DE 1978' (May 2, 1978), 'PUERTO DE ACAJUTLA' (Acajutla Port), 'VEINTICINCO COLONES' (Twenty-five Colones), 'SERIE QM' (Series QM), serial number '7094314', denomination '25' in all corners.

Intaglio (engraved) printing on security paper. The fine line work, precise detail in the portrait's facial features, and intricate background patterns visible throughout both sides are characteristic of steel plate engraving. The security features including watermarking, microprint quality details, and complex decorative elements suggest production by a specialized security printer, consistent with Central American central bank standards of the period. The crisp impression and sharp detail observed in the PMG 65 EPQ condition indicates high-quality print registration.

Series QM as observed on this example. The note is dated 'II DE MAYO DE 1978' on the reverse and 'San Salvador, 9 de Junio de 1978' on the obverse (discrepant dates as issued). Serial number 7094314 indicates mid-range production from the series. No overprints or special varieties are evident. The Pick P-130a designation indicates this is the standard variety of this denomination and date without variations in signatures or security features.