1 quetzal 1958
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3 salesAbout This Note
This is a well-preserved 1958 Guatemalan 1 Quetzal note (Pick P-36b) in Very Fine condition, printed by the American Bank Note Company. The note features vibrant green and multicolored printing with crisp engraving throughout, depicting the iconic Palacio de los Capitanes Generales on the obverse and the scenic Lago de Atitlán on the reverse. The paper shows appropriate age-related cream coloration and minimal wear, with only slight foxing in corner areas, making this an attractive example of mid-20th century Central American currency design.
Common. The eBay price history provided indicates notes in similar grades (EF) selling for $37-$66 in recent decades, with catalog values (2019) listing VF at $15 and UNC at $90. These price points and the availability of transaction history demonstrate regular collector demand at modest valuations. This Pick number (P-36b) represents the 1958 issue date of a standard circulation note from a major central bank with substantial print runs. No specific print run limitation or rarity indicator is evident from catalog or market data. Notes trading below $100 in standard grades are typically considered common by numismatic standards.
Issued in 1958 by the Banco de Guatemala during a period of modernization following World War II, this note reflects Guatemala's national identity through two of its most significant cultural landmarks. The Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, depicted in architectural perspective on the obverse, represents Guatemala's colonial heritage and administrative heritage, while the reverse features Lago de Atitlán, one of Central America's most distinctive natural features, symbolizing the nation's geographic and cultural significance. The note's printing by the New York-based American Bank Note Company demonstrates the international standards and security practices employed by Guatemala's central bank during this era.
The obverse features the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales (Palace of the Captains General), Guatemala's former administrative and colonial seat of power, rendered in detailed architectural perspective showing the building's characteristic multiple arches and colonial facade. A quetzal bird in flight appears on the right side, serving as the national symbol of Guatemala and representing sovereignty. Ornamental corner frames contain the denomination '1' in elaborate decorative cartouches. The center displays a prominent cartouche with 'UN QUETZAL' and numerical denomination. The reverse depicts Lago de Atitlán, one of Guatemala's most iconic geographical features, with a volcanic mountain landscape and a colonial church structure visible among vegetation. Both sides employ intricate guilloche patterns and fine engraved line work as decorative elements. The color scheme is predominantly green with black engraving on a cream-colored underprint, typical of American Bank Note Company's production standards.
FRONT SIDE: 'BANCO DE GUATEMALA' (Bank of Guatemala), 'GUATEMALA, CENTRO AMERICA' (Guatemala, Central America), 'UN QUETZAL' (One Quetzal), 'PALACIO DE LOS CAPITANES GENERALES' (Palace of the Captains General), 'PRESIDENTE' (President), 'JEFE DE LA CONTRALORIA DE CUENTAS' (Chief of the Audit Office of Accounts), 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printer attribution), '22 Enero 1958' (January 22, 1958 - issue date), Serial number 'A846458H'. BACK SIDE: 'BANCO DE GUATEMALA' (Bank of Guatemala), 'UN QUETZAL' (One Quetzal), 'LAGO DE ATITLAN' (Lake Atitlán), 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printer attribution).
Intaglio engraving (steel plate engraving), executed by the American Bank Note Company of New York. The visual analysis confirms characteristic features of this process: crisp, sharp line work throughout; fine cross-hatching and shading in landscape and architectural details; precise guilloche patterns in decorative backgrounds; and the dimensional quality visible in the ornamental corner frames. No evidence of letterpress or offset printing is present. Security elements include intricate engraved line work and decorative patterns designed to resist counterfeiting.
This note is specifically dated '22 Enero 1958' (January 22, 1958) and carries serial number A846458H with prefix 'A'. The Pick catalog distinguishes P-36b from earlier variant P-36a (likely issued in 1957), indicating the 1958 issue is a later variety. The note displays signature titles 'PRESIDENTE' (President) and 'JEFE DE LA CONTRALORIA DE CUENTAS' (Chief Audit Officer) in their standard positions. No overprints or special designations are evident. The standard variety characteristics for this Pick number (green on multicolored underprint, ABNC printing, 1958 date) are confirmed by the visual analysis.
