1 quetzal 1948

Common. The eBay market data shows this note in Fine condition selling for $10.50 to $16.50 (2016-2019), with more recent EF examples at $50. The 1948-1955 series represented a substantial issue by the Banco de Guatemala and the American Bank Note Company. The circulation wear and pricing pattern indicate this is a frequently encountered note in the secondary market, not scarce or rare.

Issued on November 26, 1948, this note represents the early post-WWII monetary period of Guatemala under the Banco de Guatemala. The choice of the Palace of the Captains-General—the colonial seat of Spanish authority in Central America—reflects Guatemala's historical identity, while the Lake Atitlan imagery celebrates the nation's natural heritage. The quetzal bird, sacred in Aztec and Mayan cultures, serves as both the currency unit and a symbol of national pride and indigenous heritage.

The obverse features the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, a grand colonial structure with multiple arches extending across the left portion of the note, representing Guatemala's Spanish colonial administrative heritage. The quetzal bird is depicted in flight in the upper center area, serving as the national symbol. Ornate rectangular frames containing the numeral '1' appear in all four corners. The note is dominated by green and gray tones with cream-colored paper. The reverse presents a landscape scene centered on Lago de Atitlan with a volcanic mountain rising in the background and a church or religious structure visible among vegetation in the foreground, celebrating Guatemala's natural and cultural landmarks. Both sides feature elaborate decorative border patterns and fine engraving detail characteristic of high-security banknote production.

Front side: 'BANCO DE GUATEMALA' (Bank of Guatemala), 'GUATEMALA, CENTRO AMERICA' (Guatemala, Central America), 'PALACIO DE LOS CAPITANES GENERALES' (Palace of the Captain Generals), 'PRESIDENTE' (President), 'PRESIDENTE DEL TRIBUNAL Y C. DE CTAS.' (President of the Court and Court of Accounts), '26 Noviembre 1948' (26 November 1948), 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printer identification), Serial number 'C971798'. Back side: 'BANCO DE GUATEMALA' (Bank of Guatemala), 'LAGO DE ATITLAN' (Lake Atitlan), 'UN QUETZAL' (One Quetzal), 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printer identification).

Steel engraving (intaglio printing) by the American Bank Note Company of New York. The fine line patterns, detailed landscape rendering, and ornate borders visible throughout the note are characteristic of the company's mezzo-tint and line engraving techniques. The security measures include multiple signatures, decorative borders, and the use of multiple colors achieved through the engraving process.

This is identified as Pick P-24a (regular issue variant). The PMG population report indicates a P-24s variant also exists (likely a specimen or special issue). The observed serial number prefix 'C' and the date of 26 November 1948 are consistent with the standard P-24a issue. No overprints or unusual characteristics that would indicate a rare variety are apparent from the visual analysis.