1 lempira 1968

Common. Secondary market data from eBay indicates consistent sales activity with recent VF examples selling for approximately $30-32.75 (2024) and catalogue values for VF at $3 and UNC at $17.50 (2019). The relatively low market prices and regular transaction history demonstrate this is a readily available note in the collector market. The 1968 issue represents a regular circulation series with substantial print quantities from the Banco Central de Honduras.

Issued by the Banco Central de Honduras on October 25, 1968, this note commemorates the nation's cultural and historical heritage through its iconography. The obverse features a classical female portrait representing national identity, while the reverse depicts the Ruinas de Copán and the Juego de Pelota (ball court), referencing Honduras's Pre-Columbian Maya civilization and the archaeological significance of the Copán site. This design choice reflects the 1960s era emphasis on connecting modern Central American nations to their indigenous historical legacy.

The obverse portrays a classical female head in profile facing right, adorned with an elaborate feathered or helmet-like headdress suggesting classical or allegorical representation, likely symbolizing the nation or historical heritage. The design is framed by ornate decorative elements including floral rosettes in the corners, scrollwork borders, and geometric patterns. The denomination '1' appears in decorative cloud or square-shaped frames at the top corners. The reverse displays an elaborate architectural vignette of the Copán Ruins, featuring Pre-Columbian stone structures and the Juego de Pelota (ancient Mesoamerican ball court) with mountainous landscape elements in the background. The reverse maintains the same ornamental corner treatments and color scheme as the obverse. Both sides employ fine line engraving with complex background patterns typical of high-security banknote production.

Front side: 'REPÚBLICA DE HONDURAS' (Republic of Honduras), 'BANCO CENTRAL DE HONDURAS' (Central Bank of Honduras), 'UN LEMPIRA' (One Lempira), '25 DE OCTUBRE DE 1968' (October 25, 1968), 'PRESIDENTE' (President), 'GERENTE' (Manager), 'MINISTRO DE ECONOMIA Y HACIENDA' (Minister of Economy and Finance), serial number 'AF0537209'. Back side: 'BANCO CENTRAL DE HONDURAS' (Central Bank of Honduras), 'UN LEMPIRA' (One Lempira), 'RUINAS DE COPAN' (Ruins of Copán), 'JUEGO DE PELOTA' (Ball Game/Ball Court), 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (printer attribution).

Intaglio (copperplate) engraving, executed by Thomas De La Rue & Company, Limited, London—a world-leading security printer. The fine line engraving, intricate ornamental patterns, and detailed architectural vignette are characteristic of intaglio production. The crisp, sharp detail visible throughout the note and the precise color registration between red and pink tones reflect the high standards of De La Rue's craftsmanship during this period.

This note is catalogued as Pick 55a, representing the 1968 dated variety. The date October 25, 1968 is printed on the obverse. The serial number format 'AF0537209' suggests the prefix 'AF,' though additional varieties may exist with different signature combinations (PRESIDENTE, GERENTE, MINISTRO DE ECONOMIA Y HACIENDA titles vary by signature authority). The note's precise variety designation (55a vs. other sub-varieties) may relate to signature variants or minor printing differences, which would require comparison with other examples to fully determine.