5 colones 1979

Common. The eBay market data provided shows consistent sales of this note in UNC condition ranging from $13 to $36, with multiple transactions documented across 2012-2026. The most recent UNC sales (2025-2026) at $31-$36.50 reflect typical collector demand for uncirculated examples of this mid-value Central American currency. Print runs for Salvadoran banknotes of this period were substantial, and this Pick number (P-117) remains readily available in the secondary market. The catalog value of $25 UNC (2019) aligns with actual market performance.

Issued during the final year of a printing series that originated in 1971, this note commemorates two pivotal figures in Central American and world history: Juan Matías Delgado, the Salvadoran independence leader and moral authority shown addressing the populace, and Christopher Columbus, whose voyages initiated the European colonization of the Americas. The note's design reflects El Salvador's mid-20th-century nation-building efforts, honoring both local and hemispheric historical narrative through classical engraving techniques that reinforced the currency's legitimacy and security.

The obverse depicts a dynamic historical scene: Juan Matías Delgado (the central elevated figure in formal attire with raised arm) addresses a gathered crowd, representing the proclamation of independence or a pivotal moment in Salvadoran national consciousness. The crowd includes multiple figures rendered in fine black-line engraving, with a woman's face visible among the attendees. Behind them stands a substantial classical building with multiple stories, arches, and a prominent tower or spire, serving as a symbol of governmental or institutional authority. The design employs horizontal line-pattern backgrounds in green and teal tones, with ornamental corner devices displaying the numeral 5 in each corner and decorative scrollwork throughout the border. The reverse presents Christopher Columbus in profile/three-quarter view within an ornamental oval frame, rendered with the long wavy hair characteristic of 16th-century portraiture. The left side bears the national coat of arms or seal. The background uses fine geometric crosshatch patterns in green for security purposes. Both sides feature 'CINCO COLONES' and the denomination numeral 5.

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 the bearer) / 'SAN SALVADOR' (San Salvador) / '24 DE JUNIO DE 1976' (June 24, 1976 - date of authorization) / 'SERIE XG' (Series XG) / 'CINCO COLONES' (Five Colones) / 'DELEGADO, ACOMPAÑADO DE OTROS PRÓCERES, ARENGANDO AL PUEBLO' (Delegate, accompanied by other notables, addressing the people) / Title positions: 'DIRECTOR' (Director), 'PRESIDENTE' (President), 'GERENTE' (Manager) / Serial number: 5652195. BACK: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DE EL SALVADOR' (Central Bank of Reserve of El Salvador) / 'CINCO COLONES' (Five Colones) / 'CRISTÓBAL COLÓN' (Christopher Columbus) / 'San Salvador, 4 de Mayo de 1979' (San Salvador, May 4, 1979 - signature date) / 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY LIMITED' (printer attribution).

Intaglio engraving (copperplate/steel plate printing) executed by Thomas De La Rue & Company Limited, London—the note credits indicate 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY LIMITED' on the reverse. The fine line patterns, detailed portrait engraving, intricate crosshatch security backgrounds, and ornamental scrollwork are characteristic of De La Rue's signature high-security banknote production methods. The multicolored underprint (pale blue on obverse, green on reverse) was applied separately, with black intaglio overprinting, a standard De La Rue technique for the era.

This note corresponds to Pick P-117, printed by Thomas De La Rue (TDLR). The PMG population report indicates one cataloged variant (P-117a), also by TDLR. The observed serial number '5652195' with series designation 'XG' is consistent with the regular issue series. The signature date of May 4, 1979, printed on the reverse, distinguishes this from the authorization date of June 24, 1976 on the obverse—this back-dating is typical for Central American currency of the period and does not indicate a separate variety, but rather standard issuing practice. No overprints or significant printing varieties are apparent in the visual examination.