Central Bank of Costa Rica Banknotes

The Central Bank of Costa Rica (Banco Central de Costa Rica) operates as the central monetary authority overseeing a modern currency system, notably recognized for advanced polymer technology and scientifically structured banknote design.

Quick Facts

Country: Costa Rica

Currency: Costa Rican Colón

Local name: Banco Central de Costa Rica

Institutional Identity

The Banco Central de Costa Rica (BCCR) was established under the Organic Law No. 1130 of 28 January 1950, separating it from the Banco Nacional and defining it as an independent monetary authority. It serves as the sole issuer of the Costa Rican colón, maintaining monetary stability while shaping a currency system that integrates institutional discipline with a strong educational and environmental narrative.

Historical Evolution

A defining transformation came with the 2011–2019 “Fauna and Ecosystems” series, followed by a broad transition toward polymer banknotes from 2021 using Guardian® substrate by CCL Secure (Australia). This shift positioned Costa Rica among a select group of advanced issuers prioritising durability in tropical climates. The series follows a structured design logic: horizontal obverse portraits paired with vertically oriented reverse ecosystems, creating a dual reading of national identity—human and environmental.

Design Philosophy

Technically, Costa Rican banknotes are distinguished by large transparent windows integrating complex optical elements and finely executed intaglio portraiture. Additional features include SPARK Live® colour-shifting elements, detailed watermark systems and precise microprinting. A unique institutional innovation is the “map-linked” iconography, where each depicted species is tied to its exact geographic habitat within Costa Rica, effectively turning each banknote into a cartographic and biological reference. The award-winning 20,000 colón (2020), featuring a hummingbird and volcanic landscape, exemplifies this synthesis of design and technology.

For collectors

For collectors, Costa Rican banknotes represent a benchmark in modern currency design, where polymer innovation, scientific accuracy and structured thematic coherence converge. The combination of advanced CCL Secure technology, biodiversity-driven design and consistent signature variations between Presidencia and Gerencia creates a refined and technically rich collecting field, positioning Costa Rica among the most innovative issuers in contemporary numismatics.