100 quetzales 1972 specimen
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This is a 1972 specimen note of the Guatemalan 100 Quetzales, printed by Thomas De La Rue in London and cataloged as Pick P-64s. The note features exceptional numismatic interest as a specimen issue, distinguished by the red diagonal "MUESTRA" overprint across both obverse and reverse. In uncirculated condition, this specimen presents pristine fine-line engraving work characteristic of TDLR's security printing, with the obverse showcasing a portrait of Francisco Marroquín and the reverse displaying the historic Universidad de San Carlos de Borromeo courtyard.
Common. While this is a specimen note, which inherently restricts its circulation, the 1972-1983 series had sustained production runs across multiple printing dates. eBay market data shows specimen examples selling in the $380-$385 range for PMG-graded examples (63-65 grades), indicating consistent collector demand at modest price points typical of common specimens. Specimen notes, though not circulated, were produced in quantities sufficient to avoid scarcity status. The absence of any print run restriction information and the standard nature of the specimen overprint suggest this is a readily available example of the series for collectors.
This 100 Quetzales note commemorates two foundational figures in Guatemalan colonial and intellectual history: Francisco Marroquín, the 16th-century bishop and defender of indigenous peoples, appears on the obverse, while the reverse celebrates the Universidad de San Carlos de Borromeo, founded in 1676 and originally known as the 'Colegio Mayor' in Antigua Guatemala. The note's 1972 issue date reflects Guatemala's mid-20th century monetary modernization, with this particular specimen representing the currency reform period when this denomination was introduced into circulation. The Mayan-inspired decorative elements throughout the design underscore Guatemala's indigenous heritage within the broader narrative of national identity.
The obverse features a three-quarter portrait of Obispo y Licenciado Francisco Marroquín in profile facing right, positioned at the note's right side. The central composition displays a Mayan stela (stone monument), a historically significant indigenous symbol, flanked by architectural Mayan glyphs on the right margin. The quetzal bird—Guatemala's national bird—appears in flight in the upper center in vibrant green with pink/red coloring, symbolizing freedom and national pride. Decorative Mayan-style border patterns in cream and brown tones frame the left margin, while circular seals and the Bank of Guatemala emblem occupy the upper and lower right areas. The reverse presents an architectural scene of the Universidad de San Carlos de Borromeo's colonial courtyard, centered within a large decorative archway that emphasizes the institution's historical significance. A decorative flower-shaped circular pattern containing the denomination '100' appears on the left side, with Mayan ornamental designs and glyphs on the right margin and bottom border. The color palette throughout consists of browns, reddish-browns, pinks, mauves, creams, and blues, reflecting the period's security printing aesthetic.
FRONT: 'BANCO DE GUATEMALA' (Bank of Guatemala); 'GUATEMALA, CENTRO AMERICA' (Guatemala, Central America); '100 CIEN QUETZALES' (100 One Hundred Quetzales); 'MUESTRA' (Specimen); 'Nº 00159' (Number 00159); 'OBISPO Y LICENCIADO FRANCISCO MARROQUIN DEFENSOR DE LOS INDIGENAS Y CREADOR DEL COLEGIO MAYOR' (Bishop and Licentiate Francisco Marroquin, Defender of the Indigenous and Creator of the Major College); 'PRESIDENTE' (President); 'GERENTE' (Manager); 'JEFE DE LA CONTRALORIA DE CUENTAS' (Head of the Comptroller of Accounts); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY LIMITED' (Thomas De La Rue & Company Limited). BACK: 'BANCO DE GUATEMALA' (Bank of Guatemala); '100 CIEN QUETZALES' (100 One Hundred Quetzales); 'MUESTRA' (Specimen); 'UNIVERSIDAD DE SAN CARLOS DE BORROMEO FUNDADA EN 1676 ANTES COLEGIO MAYOR ANTIGUA GUATEMALA' (University of San Carlos of Borromeo Founded in 1676 Formerly Major College, Antigua Guatemala).
This note was produced using steel-die intaglio engraving (line engraving), the premier security printing technique of Thomas De La Rue & Company Limited, London. The fine-line engraving is evident throughout the design in the detailed portraiture of Marroquín, the intricate architectural rendering of the university courtyard, the delicate Mayan glyph patterns, and the decorative border elements. The specimen overprint was applied as a red diagonal text overlay. Security features visible include a watermark (identified as Tecun Uman based on catalog references) and the precise line work characteristic of TDLR's high-security banknote production standards of the early 1970s.
This specimen represents the 1972 issue date within the broader P-64s 1972-1983 series. The visible serial number '00159' and the red 'MUESTRA' specimen overprint are consistent with standard specimen production practices. Known issue dates for this Pick number include: 1972, 3.1.1975, 7.1.1976, 3.1.1979, 6.1.1982, and 6.1.1983. This particular note, as a 1972 specimen with specimen overprint, represents the initial issue variety of this denomination. The watermark variety is identified as Tecun Uman, consistent with the catalog reference.
