1 quetzal 1942

Common. eBay auction data shows consistent trading activity with prices typically ranging from $25-115 for Fine and Very Fine examples, with catalog values listed at $25 for Fine and $95 for EF condition (2016). The note appears to have had a substantial print run during the 1934-1942 issuance period, and specimens are readily available in the secondary market. The modest price points and steady but not exceptional auction activity indicate this is a standard circulation issue without scarcity premium.

This note was issued during a critical period in Guatemala's monetary history, authorized by agreement on September 19, 1942, when the Banco Central de Guatemala was consolidating its authority over currency issuance. The obverse design celebrates Guatemala's colonial heritage through the depiction of hacienda buildings, while the reverse features the famous Quirigua monolith, a pre-Columbian stela that represents the nation's indigenous Maya civilization—reflecting Guatemala's dual cultural identity at a time when the country was strengthening its national institutions during World War II.

The obverse features a landscape composition dominated by a hacienda (colonial farm complex) with traditional Central American architecture set within a river valley with mountainous terrain. Ornamental parrots—representing the quetzal bird sacred to Guatemala—flank the central landscape on both sides. The denomination 'UN QUETZAL' is displayed in an ornate cartouche at center-right, with decorative corner medallions containing the numeral '1' in all four corners. The reverse showcases Monolith F from the Quirigua archaeological site, a tall pre-Columbian stela carved with Maya glyphs and iconography, positioned centrally within an ornate frame and flanked by cypress-like trees. Decorative cartouches with denomination numerals appear on both sides of the reverse composition. The color scheme throughout employs deep teal-green as the primary ink over lilac and ochre underprints, creating a sophisticated palette characteristic of Waterlow & Sons' work.

{"obverse":["BANCO CENTRAL DE GUATEMALA: Central Bank of Guatemala","GUATEMALA, CENTRO AMÉRICA: Guatemala, Central America","Pagará al portador en efectivo, a la vista y a la par: Will pay the bearer in cash, on demand and at par","UN QUETZAL: One Quetzal","Acuerdo de 19 de Septiembre de 1942: Agreement of September 19, 1942","DIRECTOR: Director","GERENTE: Manager","BANCARIA: Banking"],"reverse":["BANCO CENTRAL: Central Bank","DE GUATEMALA: of Guatemala","UN QUETZAL: One Quetzal"],"serialNumbers":["H490531: Serial number (appears twice)","645799: Additional identifier"]}

This note was produced using intaglio engraving and letterpress printing by Waterlow & Sons (W&S), the London-based security printer renowned for Central American currency work. The fine line work, cross-hatching visible in the monument engraving, and the sharp detail of the ornamental elements are characteristic of high-quality intaglio production. Multiple passes were required to achieve the complex color scheme of green on lilac and ochre underprints.

This note is cataloged as Pick P-14a, issued by Banco Central de Guatemala with printer Waterlow & Sons (W&S). The Pick catalog recognizes four variants for this base number: P-14a, P-14b, P-14cts, and P-14s—the latter being specimen notes. The visual analysis confirms this as the standard P-14a variety (regular issued note). The specific date notation on the note reads 'Acuerdo de 19 de Septiembre de 1942,' confirming this as an authorized issue under that 1942 agreement. Serial number H490531 visible on the obverse is consistent with standard production numbering for this issue.