Costa Rica 1 Colon 1910 Pick 143s Specimen PMG Gem Unc 66 EPQ Finest Known, Rare

A spectacular and seldom-offered Costa Rica 1 Colon Specimen, dated 1910 and cataloged as Pick 143s, this note represents an important survivor from the classic early 20th-century paper money of the Republic of Costa Rica. Specimen notes were produced as presentation or reference pieces for banks, printers, and government authorities, making them far scarcer than regularly issued circulation notes. The bold SPECIMEN overprint, zero serial numbering, and printer attribution shown on the holder make this a highly desirable archival-style issue for advanced Latin American collectors.

Authenticated and encapsulated by PMG as Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ, this note stands among elite preserved examples, with the added appeal of the Exceptional Paper Quality designation. The combination of premium originality, sharp detail, and specimen status elevates it far beyond an ordinary type note. As a certified example, it offers strong confidence in authenticity and attribution, while the PMG holder provides long-term protection and display value.

From a historical perspective, this note belongs to a fascinating era in Costa Rican monetary history, when beautifully engraved banknotes reflected national identity, institutional development, and the influence of world-class security printers. The note was printed by ABNC (American Bank Note Company), one of the most respected banknote printers of the period, known for its intricate engraving and refined production standards. That heritage is evident throughout the design.

The face of the note features an elegant engraved portrait vignette at left, balanced by a detailed national emblem at right, with the denomination UN COLON prominently displayed at center. Ornamental lathework, intricate borders, and classical engraving give the note strong visual appeal, while the reverse presents a symmetrical, richly patterned design built around the denomination and national inscription Republica de Costa Rica. Even as a modest denomination, the artistic execution is anything but ordinary, making it an impressive piece for both type collectors and specialists in Central American paper money.

Catalog Number: Pick 143s
Issuer/Origin: Costa Rica
Denomination: 1 Colon
Date: 1910
Type: Specimen
Printer: ABNC
Certification: PMG 66 EPQ Gem Uncirculated
Notable Attribute: Finest Known, Rare

Collector’s Value
This is the kind of note that checks nearly every box for serious collectors: certified quality, specimen status, ABNC engraving, exceptional originality, and top-tier rarity capped by the coveted Finest Known distinction. For collectors of Costa Rica, Latin America, specimen notes, or classic engraved world currency, this piece offers prestige, beauty, and scarcity in one outstanding offering.