5 pesos 1914

Common. While this is an early Guatemalan banknote from 1914, the Banco de Guatemala issued this denomination in substantial quantities during the period, and surviving examples appear regularly in the collector market. The VF condition grade is not exceptional for this issue, as specimens in this grade range are regularly encountered. Serial number B7626664 does not indicate a particularly early or late printing lot. No evidence of recalls, short print runs, or limited circulation patterns that would elevate rarity status.

Issued during Guatemala's early republican period under the Banco de Guatemala charter, this 1914 note reflects the nation's modernization aspirations through its prominent depiction of steam locomotives—symbols of industrial progress and railway expansion. The prominence of the quetzal bird, Guatemala's national symbol, underscores civic identity and sovereignty. Printed by the International Bank Note Company of New York, a leading security printer of the era, the note exemplifies the sophisticated engraving standards applied to Central American currency during the pre-World War I period.

The obverse presents a symmetrically composed design with the national quetzal bird (Pharomachrus mocinno) as the central focal point, positioned on a shield or heraldic emblem surrounded by decorative laurel wreaths. Flanking this medallion on both the left and right are detailed depictions of steam locomotives with smoke plumes, symbolizing national industrial development and railway infrastructure. The entire composition is framed by elaborate scrollwork and geometric ornamental borders in the neoclassical tradition. The reverse features an ornate Baroque-style rectangular cartouche containing the denomination and issuer information, surrounded by repeating curved ornamental patterns and scrollwork, with decorative dragon or mythical creature elements in the corners. The dual-color printing scheme—navy blue and grey on the obverse, red and pink on the reverse—demonstrates sophisticated multi-plate engraving work.

OBVERSE: 'El Banco de Guatemala' (The Bank of Guatemala); 'Cinco 5 Pesos' (Five 5 Pesos); 'Pagará al Portador' (Will Pay to Bearer); 'Moneda Efectiva' (Legal Currency); 'Guatemala 18 de Abril de 1914' (Guatemala April 18, 1914); 'Directores' (Directors); 'Gerente' (Manager); 'Compañía Internacional de Billetes de Banco, Nueva York' (International Bank Note Company, New York); Serial number 'B7626664' (appears left and right). REVERSE: 'El Banco de Guatemala' (The Bank of Guatemala); 'Cinco 5 Pesos' (Five 5 Pesos) [repeated]; 'Compañía Internacional de Billetes de Banco, Nueva York' (International Bank Note Company, New York).

Steel engraving on banknote paper, utilizing the traditional intaglio process characteristic of early 20th-century currency production. The International Bank Note Company of New York employed multiple engraved plates (separate for obverse and reverse), each printed in distinct colors (navy blue/grey for the obverse, red for the reverse). The fine line work, complex border details, and intricate scrollwork visible throughout are consistent with hand-engraved intaglio plates. The quality and precision of the engraving reflects the high security standards applied by this premier American security printer.

Pick P-S143c represents a specific variety within the 1914 5 Pesos issue. The 'c' designation indicates this is the third cataloged variety, likely differentiated by signature combinations (Directores and Gerente signatures visible on the obverse), date variants (April 18, 1914 fixed date), or serial number prefixes. The serial number prefix 'B' may indicate a specific printing batch or series. Collectors should note signature variations and serial number ranges to distinguish between P-S143a, P-S143b, and P-S143c varieties. The printer attribution to the International Bank Note Company, New York is consistent across this series.