1 quetzal 1952

Common. This note exhibits the characteristics of a standard circulation issue from a 27-year print run (1948-1955) by a major international security printer. eBay market data confirms common status: F-grade examples have sold for $10.50-$16.50, VF examples for $22-$37, and even EF specimens for $50. These modest prices and consistent sales activity indicate abundant availability in the collector market. The 2016 catalog value of $3 for VG condition further supports common classification.

Issued during the post-WWII modernization period of Guatemala's banking system, this 1952 note reflects the country's adoption of modern security printing standards by the American Bank Note Company. The depicted Palace of the Captains-General on the front represents Guatemala's colonial heritage and governmental authority, while the reverse's Lake Atitlan scene showcases the nation's natural patrimony and indigenous cultural landscape. This design choice emphasized national pride during a transitional period in Guatemalan history.

The front features the Palace of the Captains-General (Palacio de los Capitanes Generales), a colonial-era administrative building characterized by its repeating arches and ornate architectural detailing, positioned prominently on the left side of the composition. The quetzal bird, Guatemala's national symbol and namesake of the currency, is depicted in flight in the upper right portion. Denomination numerals '1' appear in all four corners within ornamental frames typical of early-to-mid 20th century banknote design. The back showcases Lake Atitlan (Lago de Atitlan), one of Central America's most significant natural landmarks, rendered as a landscape vignette with mountain scenery and volcanic backdrop. The entire design is framed by decorative security borders and corner elements characteristic of American Bank Note Company's production standards.

FRONT SIDE: 'BANCO DE GUATEMALA' (Bank of Guatemala); 'GUATEMALA, CENTRO AMERICA' (Guatemala, Central America); 'UNQUETZAL' (One Quetzal); '22 Diciembre 1952' (December 22, 1952); 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printer identification); 'RESIDENTE' (Resident - official title); 'GERENTE' (Manager - official title); 'PRESIDENTE DEL TRIBUNAL C. DE CTAS' (President of the Court of Accounts - official title); Serial number 'K353471'. BACK SIDE: 'BANCO DE GUATEMALA' (Bank of Guatemala); 'LAGO DE ATITLAN' (Lake Atitlan); 'UNQUETZAL' (One Quetzal); 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printer identification).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving) executed by the American Bank Note Company, New York. The fine line engraving patterns visible throughout both sides, the complex architectural vignette of the Palace, the detailed landscape rendering of Lake Atitlan, and the intricate decorative borders all confirm the use of traditional intaglio methods. The printer's credit line appears on both obverse and reverse, confirming ABNC's production of this issue.

This is cataloged as Pick-24a (the primary variant); PMG records indicate a P-24s specimen variant also exists. The observed serial number 'K353471' and date of '22 Diciembre 1952' are consistent with notes from the mid-period of the 1948-1955 issue range. The three signatures visible at the bottom correspond to the positions of Residente (Resident), Gerente (Manager), and Presidente del Tribunal de Cuentas (President of the Court of Accounts), which were standard for this issue. No overprints or unusual variety markers are apparent in the visual analysis.