1 cordoba 1960
Market Prices
15 salesAbout This Note
This is a PMG 66 EPQ example of the 1960 Nicaragua 1 Córdoba (Pick P-99c), representing an excellent, near-gem uncirculated specimen from the Banco Nacional de Nicaragua's mid-20th century series. The note displays crisp, clean surfaces with no visible wear, creasing, or stains, showcasing the fine engraved details of both the male portrait on the obverse and the neoclassical institutional building on the reverse. With recent comparable sales showing PMG 65 examples reaching $100 and catalog values listing uncirculated examples at $35, this high-grade note represents a desirable example for collectors of Central American currency.
Common. This note represents a regular issue of the Banco Nacional de Nicaragua with a production span of 1953-1960, indicating a substantial print run. eBay market data shows consistent circulation of this note type in lower grades, with comparable examples (VF condition) selling for $3.50-$12.50, and even PMG 65 examples only reaching $100. The availability of multiple graded examples in the PMG population report and the steady supply on secondary markets confirm this as a commonly encountered note among serious collectors of Central American currency.
Issued between 1953-1960 by the Banco Nacional de Nicaragua's Departamento de Emisión, this note was produced during Nicaragua's post-war consolidation period. The neoclassical bank building depicted on the reverse represents the institutional infrastructure of mid-20th century Nicaragua, while the legal text references constitutional decrees from 1940-1941 establishing monetary authority. The Thomas de la Rue printing from London indicates Nicaragua's reliance on established international security printers during this era of developing monetary sovereignty.
The obverse features a male portrait in formal military or official dress, centered within an ornate oval medallion frame with elaborate decorative borders. The portrait appears to represent a significant historical or political figure of Nicaragua during the period. Dominating ornamental elements include fine-line guilloche patterns, floral and geometric corner designs, and stylized numeral shields on either side. The reverse displays a detailed architectural engraving of a neoclassical institutional building identified as the central bank building in Managua, characterized by symmetrical classical proportions, columns, and arched windows. Both sides employ matching ornate border designs with corner flourishes. The color scheme utilizes black, gray-blue, red (for serial numbers), tan, and white, creating a sophisticated multi-color appearance typical of Thomas de la Rue's mid-century production standards.
FRONT SIDE: 'BANCO NACIONAL DE NICARAGUA / DEPARTAMENTO DE EMISION, MANAGUA' (National Bank of Nicaragua / Department of Emission, Managua); 'UN CORDOBA / VALE POR' (One Córdoba / Valid For); 'SERIE/Nº 1960' (Series Number 1960); Serial number: '14118020'; Legal authority text: 'ESTE BILLETE HA SIDO EMITIDO DE CONFORMIDAD CON EL DECRETO-LEY DEL 26 DE OCTUBRE DE 1940 Y EN LA LEY DE 4 DE AGOSTO DE 1941 DEBERA SER RECIBIDO EN PAGO DE LOS DERECHOS ADUANALES Y FISCALES, Y SERA RECURSO LEGAL Y OBLIGATORIO PARA EL PAGO DE DEUDAS DENTRO DE LA REPUBLICA' (This banknote has been issued in accordance with the Decree-Law of October 26, 1940 and the Law of August 4, 1941. It must be accepted in payment of customs and fiscal duties and will be legal tender and mandatory for the payment of debts within the Republic). BACK SIDE: 'BANCO NACIONAL DE NICARAGUA / DEPARTAMENTO DE EMISION' (National Bank of Nicaragua / Department of Emission); 'UN CORDOBA' (One Córdoba); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & CO LTD.' (printer attribution).
This note was produced using intaglio engraving and letterpress printing methods by Thomas de la Rue & Co Ltd., London—the world's leading security printer during this period. The fine-line guilloche patterns, detailed architectural rendering, complex portrait engraving, and sharp corner decorations all indicate traditional intaglio security printing. The red serial numbers appear to have been applied through a separate typographic pass, a standard practice for the era.
This note is cataloged as Pick P-99c, representing one documented variant for this base number. The series marking '1960' and the male portrait identify this as the later variant of the 1 Córdoba issue (as opposed to the earlier 1959 variant noted in comparison references). The serial number '14118020' is specific to this specimen and does not indicate a known cataloged variety; the note appears to represent the standard 1960 production issue without overprints, date variations, or signature varieties that would distinguish it as a separate collectible variety.
