25 colones 1971 specimen

Common. While this is a specimen note (which are typically produced in smaller quantities than circulation issues), specimen notes from major 20th-century currency issues by respected printers like Thomas De La Rue are generally available to collectors. The eBay market data shows specimen examples trading widely in the $30-$300 range depending on specific condition and presentation, indicating adequate supply. The 2019 catalogue valuation of $32.50 UNC further supports a common classification. Specimen notes from this era and printer are routinely encountered in the collector market.

This note commemorates El Salvador's investment in modern infrastructure during the early 1970s, specifically the 5th of November Hydroelectric Dam, which represented the nation's development priorities in electrical power generation. The inclusion of Christopher Columbus on the reverse reflects the Iberian colonial heritage central to Central American national identity. Issued in 1971 under the Central Bank of Reserve, this specimen represents the formal currency circulating during a period of relative economic development in El Salvador before the regional conflicts of the later 1970s-1980s.

The obverse features a naturalistic landscape photograph of the Presa Hidroeléctrica '5 de Noviembre' as the central vignette, flanked by ornamental corner designs displaying the denomination '25' in all four corners. The design combines photographic imagery with traditional engraved decorative elements in black, green/teal, and beige/tan inks, creating a multicolored underprint effect. The reverse presents a formal classical portrait of Cristóbal Colón (Christopher Columbus) rendered as an engraved bust portrait positioned within an elaborate ornate circular frame with decorative floral and geometric border elements. Ornamental corner medallions with geometric patterns frame the denomination '25' in all four corners. Both sides are dominated by fine line work and security engraving characteristic of Thomas De La Rue's production standards, with the specimen marking applied diagonally across both sides.

FRONT: 'EL BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DE EL SALVADOR' (The Central Bank of Reserve of El Salvador); 'PAGARÁ EN EFECTIVO AL PORTADOR' (Will pay in cash to bearer); 'SAN SALVADOR, DE AGOSTO DE 1971' (San Salvador, August 1971); 'SERIE FN' (Series FN); 'VEINTICINCO COLONES' (Twenty-five colones); 'PRESA HIDROELÉCTRICA '5 DE NOVIEMBRE' (Hydroelectric Dam '5 of November'); 'MUESTRA SIN VALOR' (Specimen without value); Serial number '000000' (specimen issue); 'DIRECTOR' (Director), 'PRESIDENTE' (President), 'GERENT' (Manager - signature lines). BACK: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DE EL SALVADOR' (Central Bank of Reserve of El Salvador); 'VEINTICINCO COLONES' (Twenty-five colones); 'CRISTÓBAL COLÓN' (Christopher Columbus); 'MUESTRA SIN VALOR' (Specimen without value); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY LIMITED' (printer identification); Reference number '31 71 039'.

Security intaglio (engraved) printing by Thomas De La Rue & Company Limited, London. The note employs multi-color separation printing with black primary engraving for the main design elements, supplemented by colored underprints in green/teal, beige/tan, and dark blue inks. The photographic vignette of the dam is integrated into the engraved design through advanced security printing techniques. The red 'MUESTRA SIN VALOR' overprint was applied separately post-printing, indicating specimen status. Fine line work, ornate engraving patterns, and detailed portrait shading throughout are characteristic of De La Rue's high-security currency production methods.

This is a specimen issue (Pick P-119s designation) marked with the red 'MUESTRA SIN VALOR' overprint and specimen serial number '000000'. Series FN is noted on the front. The reference number '31 71 039' appears on the reverse, indicating batch/production identification. The August 31, 1971 date is consistent across the cataloged examples. No significant varieties in signature combinations or overprint positions are evident from this example, though multiple signature varieties may exist within the standard issue (P-119).