1 quetzal 1963

Common. The eBay sales data provided shows VF examples selling in the range of $17-$28 (2015-2019), with catalog valuations of $7.50 in VF condition (2019), indicating a readily available and modestly priced note in the collector market. The 1959-1964 issue period represents a standard circulation note from an established central bank with no known print run limitations, recalls, or special scarcity factors. The availability of multiple sales records and the modest pricing all point to this being a common issue despite its age.

Issued during the early 1960s under Banco de Guatemala's authority, this note exemplifies Guatemala's mid-century currency design, celebrating the nation's colonial architectural heritage through its prominent depiction of the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, the historic seat of Spanish colonial administration. The reverse's showcase of Lake Atitlán, one of Guatemala's most iconic geographical and cultural landmarks surrounded by indigenous Mayan communities, reflects the country's emphasis on natural and cultural identity during this period of modernization.

The obverse features the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, a masterfully engraved colonial architectural landmark showcasing multiple arches, columns, and intricate architectural detailing characteristic of Spanish colonial design in Guatemala City. The palace image is flanked by ornamental circular medallions containing the numeral '1' with decorative flourishes, while a quetzal bird (Guatemala's national symbol) appears in the upper right, with additional denomination numerals in all four corners. The reverse depicts Lake Atitlán (Lago de Atitlán), Guatemala's largest and most culturally significant lake, rendered as a landscape scene with a colonial-era church building, mountain backdrop, and tropical vegetation, emphasizing Guatemala's natural heritage. All four corners contain ornamental square shield designs with the numeral '1', and decorative borders frame both sides with repeating geometric patterns.

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 Captain Generals) / 'PRESIDENTE' (President) / 'GERENTE' (Manager) / 'JEFE DE LA CONTRALORIA DE CUENTAS' (Chief of the Accounts Comptroller) / 'WATERLOW & SONS LIMITED, LONDRES' (Waterlow & Sons Limited, London) / Serial number: A4873355R. BACK SIDE: 'BANCO DE GUATEMALA' (Bank of Guatemala) / 'UN QUETZAL' (One Quetzal) / 'LAGO DE ATITLÁN' (Lake Atitlán) / 'WATERLOW & SONS LIMITED, LONDRES' (Waterlow & Sons Limited, London).

Intaglio (engraved) printing on banknote paper, produced by Waterlow & Sons Limited of London, a world-renowned security printer known for high-quality currency production. The detailed engraving is evident in the fine line work throughout the architectural and landscape imagery, the intricate border patterns, and the multiple color printing technique utilizing green, beige, cream, and yellow tones. The crisp impression of signatures and text elements confirms professional intaglio production standards.

This note is cataloged as Pick-43e, indicating it represents variant 'e' within the 1 Quetzal series from this issue period. According to the external catalog reference, PMG has identified at least P-43a and P-43s as other variants for this base Pick number, likely differentiated by serial number formats (the reference notes that P-30 had 7-digit serials, P-42 had 6-digit serials) and possibly signature variants or printing characteristics. This specimen displays serial number A4873355R (8 characters with letter prefix and suffix), which may be specific to the P-43e variety. The Waterlow printing attribution and the 1963 date align with the documented 1959-1964 issuance window for this Pick number.