Collection PL

El Salvador 1996 — 25 Colones Face Die Proof (Pick 149p)

Large-format face die proof prepared by De La Rue in 1996 for the forthcoming 25 Colones issue later released 1997–1999 (SCWPM Pick 149 and subsequent variant Pick 155). The engraving depicts the Pirámide de San Andrés archaeological complex—an emblem of national heritage—rendered in tight intaglio with wide proof margins and a blank reverse. Functionally, die proofs are the printer’s finalized master impressions taken directly from the face die to verify line integrity, color separation, and registration before plate duplication and production. ... Read more →

El Salvador 1997 — 25 Colones Issued Note (Pick 149a)

First circulation issue of the 'Pirámide de San Andrés' 25 Colones design, dated 10 de Abril de 1997, printed by De La Rue for El Banco Central de Reserva de El Salvador. This note inaugurated El Salvador’s final banknote generation prior to dollarization (2001), combining modern color engraving with refined microsecurity. The face shows the archaeological pyramid and national emblem, while the reverse features agricultural motifs referencing national productivity and export economy. ... Read more →

El Salvador 1997 — 25 Colones Specimen (Pick 149as)

Official specimen of the 1997 25 Colones issue printed by De La Rue, catalogued as Pick 149as. Features red diagonal SPECIMEN overprint, oval control stamps, and circular perforation cancels. Specimens like this were distributed to issuing authorities, printers, and security archives for reference. ... Read more →

El Salvador 1998 — 25 Colones Issued Note (Pick 149b)

Issued note dated 1998 continuing the 'Pirámide de San Andrés' 25 Colones design, printed by De La Rue for El Banco Central de Reserva. This second variety (Pick 149b) retains the same engraving as the 1997 issue but introduces updated official signatures and minor tint adjustments. These mid-series notes were part of El Salvador’s last paper-money production cycle before the transition to the U.S. ... Read more →

Great Britain 1997 — Thomas De La Rue 100 Units Test Note Portal Watermark

A rare Thomas De La Rue test note, issued as a demonstration piece rather than circulating currency. Dated ND (1997), this 100 Units note was printed to showcase De La Rue’s advanced banknote security design, incorporating microtext, guilloche patterns, and the portal watermark. The obverse features a portrait of Thomas De La Rue with multicolor lathework and the company’s headquarters vignette. ... Read more →