25 colones 1983 specimen

Common. While this is a specimen note (which typically carries higher collector value than circulation issues), the eBay market data provided shows significant supply with UNC examples trading in the $50–$229 range, and the 2019 catalogue value of $35 USD for UNC specimens indicates reasonable availability in the collector market. Specimen notes from this era were produced in sufficient quantities for distribution to banks and collectors, and this particular note shows no evidence of extreme scarcity. The absence of PMG population data for the specimen variant (P-136s) versus the single recorded variant for P-136a suggests specimen notes have not been extensively third-party graded, but market pricing indicates they are not rare.

Issued on September 29, 1983, this 25 colones note commemorates El Salvador's commitment to hydroelectric power development during a period of significant infrastructure expansion. The Central Hidroeléctrica 15 de Septiembre depicted on the obverse represents the nation's industrial modernization efforts of the era, while the reverse's portrait of Christopher Columbus reflects the broader Latin American historical narrative and colonial heritage. This specimen note was produced by American Bank Note Company, reflecting the significant role of U.S. security printing firms in Central American currency production during the Cold War period.

The obverse features a landscape composition depicting the Central Hidroeléctrica 15 de Septiembre, showcasing a suspension bridge spanning a river valley with a hydroelectric power station facility—a significant infrastructure symbol of El Salvador's modernization. The design employs black engraving on a cream/beige underprint with decorative corner ornaments bearing the denomination '25' and a series designation box. The reverse displays a formal portrait of Christopher Columbus in profile facing right, rendered in blue engraved style with period-appropriate clothing and long hair. The portrait is framed by classical laurel wreaths and flanked by ornamental rosettes and geometric border patterns, with large denomination numerals '25' in opposite corners. Both sides feature fine line engraving throughout, characteristic of American Bank Note Company's premium security printing work.

FRONT SIDE: '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) / '29 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1983' (September 29, 1983) / 'SERIE FW' (Series FW) / 'VEINTICINCO COLONES' (Twenty-five colones) / 'CENTRAL HIDROELÉCTRICA 15 DE SEPTIEMBRE' (Hydroelectric Station September 15) / 'PRESIDENTE' (President) / 'DIRECTOR' (Director) / 'MUESTRA SIN VALOR' (Sample without value) / '0000000' (specimen serial number). BACK SIDE: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DE EL SALVADOR' (Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador) / 'VEINTICINCO COLONES' (Twenty-five colones) / '25' (denomination) / 'MUESTRA SIN VALOR' (Sample without value) / 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printer identification).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving) executed by American Bank Note Company, New York. The note displays the hallmark fine line work and multi-plate color separation typical of ABNC's security printing process. The obverse uses black and cream tones, while the reverse utilizes blue engraving. Specimen overprints and serial numbers appear in red, applied as a separate security measure. The decorative borders, ornamental frames, and intricate portrait detailing are consistent with traditional intaglio security printing standards of the 1980s.

This is catalogued as Pick P-136s, the specimen issue of the 25 Colones dated September 29, 1983. The specimen variety is identified by the prominent red diagonal 'MUESTRA SIN VALOR' overprint on both obverse and reverse, and the replacement of standard signature lines with 'PRESIDENTE' and 'DIRECTOR' titles. The serial number appears as seven zeros (0000000), standard for specimen notes. The series designation 'FW' is visible on the obverse. Pick catalogue recognizes one base variant (P-136a) for this denomination and date, with this specimen note representing the designated specimen variant (P-136s). No signature or serial number varieties are applicable to specimen issues.