1 lempira 1965
Market Prices
12 salesAbout This Note
An exceptional PMG 67 EPQ example of Honduras' 1 Lempira from 1965, featuring vibrant red and multicolored printing on a cream background. The note displays outstanding eye appeal with crisp registration, sharp detail in the ornate borders and indigenous-inspired glyphs, and no visible wear or handling. This near-gem uncirculated specimen represents the finest condition commonly encountered for this denomination and showcases Thomas de la Rue's masterful engraving work.
Common. eBay market data shows regular transaction activity at modest prices: a PMG 64 sold for $76.75 (2026), PMG 65 for $37.09 (2019), with uncirculated examples cataloged at $25 (2019). The note circulated widely during its period of issue and examples in various grades appear regularly in the secondary market. No print run restrictions or historical scarcity factors are evident. The PMG 67 EPQ grade represents the high end of typical circulation finds but does not indicate rarity of the underlying note.
Issued by Banco Central de Honduras in 1965, this note celebrates the nation's pre-Columbian heritage through prominent display of Maya cultural elements—the central 'Dios del Maíz' (God of Corn) figure and references to the Ruins of Copán, one of the most significant archaeological sites of the Maya civilization. The front portrait in a Phrygian cap represents classical Republican ideals, while the back's emphasis on Maya sculptures and artifacts reflects Honduras' identity rooted in its Mesoamerican legacy.
The obverse features a classical left-facing portrait wearing a Phrygian cap, symbolizing republican virtue, positioned on the left side with the Honduran national coat of arms or state seal on the right. The center displays a prominent large numeral '1' with 'UN LEMPIRA' text. Ornate decorative borders incorporate Mesoamerican-style glyphs and indigenous motifs throughout. The reverse showcases a central relief representation of the 'Dios del Maíz' (Maya corn deity/maize god), a figure of significant religious and cultural importance in Maya civilization. Flanking this central idol are depictions of Maya sculptures ('ESCULTURAS MAYAS') on the left and the famous Ruins of Copán ('RUINAS DE COPÁN') on the right, anchoring the design's archaeological and cultural narrative. Large corner numerals '1' are positioned in all four corners of the reverse.
Front: 'REPÚBLICA DE HONDURAS' (Republic of Honduras), 'EL BANCO CENTRAL DE HONDURAS' (The Central Bank of Honduras), 'PAGARÁ AL PORTADOR A SU PRESENTACIÓN' (Will pay to bearer upon presentation), 'UN LEMPIRA' (One Lempira), 'PRESIDENTE' (President), 'GERENTE' (Manager), 'MINISTRO DE ECONOMÍA Y HACIENDA' (Minister of Economy and Treasury), '30 OMNO 1965' (30th year 1965). Serial number: AA4233381. Back: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE HONDURAS' (Central Bank of Honduras), 'DIOS DEL MAIZ' (God of Corn), 'UN LEMPIRA' (One Lempira), 'IDOLO MAYA' (Maya Idol), 'ESCULTURAS MAYAS' (Maya Sculptures), 'RUINAS DE COPÁN' (Ruins of Copán), 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (printer attribution).
Intaglio (engraved) printing executed by Thomas de la Rue & Company, Limited, London—one of the world's premier security printers. The fine line work, intricate border details, sharp registration of multicolored elements, and the precision engraving visible in both the portrait and the central Maya idol figure are characteristic of high-quality intaglio production. The consistent color saturation and crisp detail throughout indicate superior plate work and expert press operation.
This is cataloged as Pick P-54Ab (1 Lempira, 1965). PMG records indicate variants P-54a and P-54s exist for this base Pick number. The serial number prefix 'AA' and the specific date notation '30 OMNO 1965' (approximately 'Year 30' in the Honduran calendar system, corresponding to 1965) are consistent with the standard 1965 issue. No overprints, color variations, or signature varieties are apparent in this example.
