Issued by the Banco Internacional de Costa Rica between 1901 and 1908, this 5 Colones banknote represents one of the early 20th-century designs in Costa Rican currency.
The obverse features intricate floral and geometric patterns surrounding the denomination and bank name, along with detailed vignettes reflecting national pride.
The reverse presents classical ornamental motifs and repeating denomination numerals, highlighting security design elements of the era. Printed on cotton-based paper, the note measures approximately 130 × 65 mm and includes a watermark for authenticity.
Obverse
Symbolic figure representing the Republic seated with a cornucopia at her feet, and agricultural and industrial landscapes in the background. Black vignette on multicolor underprint. Black overprints of series letters and serial numbers.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
5 BANCO DE COSTA RICA 5
EL BANCO DE COSTA RICA
PAGARÁ AL PORTADOR LA CANTIDAD DE
CINCO COLONES
EN MONEDA DE ORO AGUNADA
AMERICAN BANK NOTE CO, NEW YORK.
Reverse
Banco de Costa Rica headquarters building – Plaza de Armas, San José.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
BANCO
5 V
DE COSTA RICA
Printer
American Banknote Corporation (American Bank Note Company), United States (1795-date)
Features
| Issuer | Costa Rica |
|---|---|
| Issuing entity | Banco de Costa Rica |
| Period | First Republic (1848-1948) |
| Type | Standard circulation banknotes |
| Years | 1901-1908 |
| Value | 5 Colones 5 CRC = GBP 0.0075 |
| Currency | Colón (1896-date) |
| Composition | Paper |
| Size | 171 × 76 mm |
| Shape | Rectangular |
