1 quetzal 1968

Common. Despite the age and specific Pick number designation (P-52e), this denomination shows up regularly in the market with consistent eBay sales throughout the past decade at modest prices ($4.99 to $31.01), indicating healthy circulation among collectors. The 1964-1972 issue period covered nearly a decade with substantial production runs by a major security printer. No recorded print run restrictions, recall events, or scarcity indicators exist for this particular variety. The PMG 64 EPQ grade is desirable but not exceptionally rare for this series.

Issued during Guatemala's mid-20th century period of economic development under the Banco de Guatemala, this note commemorates two of the nation's most significant cultural and geographical landmarks. The Palacio de los Capitanes Generales represents Guatemala's Spanish colonial heritage and administrative importance, while Lake Atitlán, with its dramatic volcanic setting, is one of Central America's most iconic natural features. The inclusion of the quetzal bird—Guatemala's national symbol and namesake of its currency—underscores the note's deep connection to Guatemalan national identity.

The obverse features the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, the colonial seat of Spanish administration in Guatemala, depicted as a magnificent multi-story structure with numerous arches rendered in detailed engraving at center-right. A vibrant green quetzal bird, the national emblem, is shown in flight in the upper right portion. The reverse showcases the scenic Lake Atitlán landscape with the volcanic mountain, tropical vegetation, and colonial architectural elements integrated into a panoramic composition. Both sides are framed by ornate green decorative borders and corner ornaments featuring the denomination numeral '1', with classical decorative elements and fine guilloche patterns throughout.

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), Serial number 'A1893019Z'. Back side: 'BANCO DE GUATEMALA' (Bank of Guatemala), 'UN QUETZAL' (One Quetzal), 'LAGO DE ATITLAN' (Lake Atitlán).

Intaglio engraving (fine line engraving) by Thomas de la Rue, London, a leading security printer of the period. The note exhibits the characteristic sharp detail, fine line work in the borders and guilloche patterns, and precise color registration typical of TDLR's high-quality banknote production. Security features include watermark areas and the skilled engraved portraiture of architectural elements.

This specimen is identified as Pick P-52e, which represents a specific signature and date variety within the 1 Quetzal 1968 issue. The serial number prefix 'A' with the format visible (A1893019Z) is consistent with the standard production series from this period. The note exhibits the characteristic Thomas de la Rue printing style that distinguishes it from earlier Waterlow-printed varieties (P-30, P-42, P-43 referenced in catalog data). No overprints or unusual varieties are evident on this example.