1 cordoba 1959
Market Prices
15 salesAbout This Note
This is a 1959 Banco Nacional de Nicaragua 1 Córdoba note (Pick P-99c) in UNC condition, featuring an elegantly engraved portrait of an indigenous woman adorned with a feather on the obverse and the classical Banco Nacional de Nicaragua building in Managua on the reverse. The note displays the characteristic dark blue and multicolor design typical of Thomas de la Rue's Central American currency work, with intricate geometric patterns and fine line work throughout. Despite showing some age-related characteristics including minor foxing and creases, the overall preservation and clarity of both the portraiture and architectural detailing remain excellent, making this an attractive example of mid-20th century Nicaraguan currency.
Common. The eBay market data shows consistent sales activity across multiple condition grades from 2014-2023, with UNC examples trading in the $35 catalog value range and circulated examples selling for $3-$25. The wide distribution of sales across different dates and grades indicates a readily available note in the secondary market. This is a regular issue from a major printer with presumably substantial print runs, evidenced by the continued supply of examples at modest price points.
This 1959 issue represents the Banco Nacional de Nicaragua's mid-20th century currency series, authorized under decree-laws from 1940-1941 during a period of monetary consolidation in Nicaragua. The featured indigenous woman portrait on the obverse reflects national identity symbolism common to Central American nations of this era, while the reverse's depiction of the Banco Nacional building in Managua emphasizes institutional pride and the modernization efforts undertaken during the post-war period. The note's legal declaration that it serves as obligatory payment for debts within the Republic underscores Nicaragua's commitment to monetary stability during this transitional decade.
The obverse features a romanticized portrait of an indigenous woman in profile facing rightward, her long dark hair crowned with a prominent feather or plume headdress—a symbolic representation of Nicaragua's indigenous heritage. She is positioned centrally and surrounded by ornate decorative borders incorporating geometric patterns, floral motifs in the corners, and symmetrical lyre or harp-like ornamental elements flanking the portrait. The color scheme employs dark navy blue as the dominant tone with beige/tan accents and red serial numbers creating contrast. The reverse presents the Banco Nacional de Nicaragua's headquarters building in Managua rendered in classical architectural style, featuring columned facades, multiple stories, and symmetrical design. The building is similarly framed by ornamental corner designs with matching floral and geometric patterns. The denomination 'UN CORDOBA' appears prominently at the bottom of both sides. Both sides employ fine line engraving throughout, demonstrating the technical sophistication of the design.
FRONT SIDE: 'BANCO NACIONAL DE NICARAGUA' (National Bank of Nicaragua), 'DEPARTAMENTO DE EMISIÓN, MANAGUA' (Department of Emission, Managua), 'SERIE DE 1959' (Series of 1959), 'VALE POR UN CORDOBA' (Worth One Córdoba), Serial number: '00721111'. Legal text: 'ESTE BILLETE HA SIDO EMITIDO DE CONFORMIDAD CON EL DECRETO-LEY DEL 26 DE OCTUBRE DE 1940 Y LA LEY DE 4 DE AGOSTO DE 1941 Y EN LAS CONDICIONES PRESCRITAS EN DICHOS DECRETOS EL BANCO NACIONAL DE NICARAGUA GARANTIZA Y SERA RECURSO LEGAL Y OBLIGATORIO PARA EL PAGO DE DEUDAS DENTRO DE LA REPÚBLICA' (This note has been issued in accordance with the Decree-Law of October 26, 1940 and the Law of August 4, 1941 and under the conditions prescribed in said Decrees. The National Bank of Nicaragua guarantees and this will be legal recourse and obligatory for payment of debts within the Republic). Signature blocks labeled: 'EL PRESIDENTE DE LA REPÚBLICA' (The President of the Republic), 'EL PRESIDENTE DEL CONSEJO DE DIRECCIÓN' (The President of the Board of Directors), 'EL GERENTE GENERAL DEL BANCO NACIONAL DE NICARAGUA' (The General Manager of the National Bank of Nicaragua). REVERSE SIDE: 'BANCO NACIONAL DE NICARAGUA' (National Bank of Nicaragua), 'DEPARTAMENTO DE EMISIÓN' (Department of Emission), 'UN CORDOBA' (One Córdoba), 'BANCO NACIONAL DE NICARAGUA-MANAGUA' (National Bank of Nicaragua-Managua), 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & CO. LTD.' (printer attribution).
Intaglio engraving (line engraving/steel plate) produced by Thomas de la Rue & Co. Ltd., London. The note exhibits characteristic fine line work, intricate geometric crosshatch patterns, and detailed architectural rendering consistent with high-security currency production. The multicolor printing technique visible in the dominant navy blue base with tan and red overlays suggests multiple passes or color separation plates typical of Thomas de la Rue's premium banknote work.
This is identified as Pick P-99c, the specific 1959 variety. The visual analysis shows serial number '00721111', which appears to be from an early run. The note features the full set of required signatures (President of the Republic, President of the Board of Directors, and General Manager). Variations within this Pick number may exist in signature combinations or serial number prefixes, but the 1959 date and design configuration identify this as the standard P-99c variety as distinguished from the 1960 issue (P-99d). No overprints or special markings are evident on this specimen.
