20,000 Costa Rican Colones banknote (María Isabel Carvajal (Carmen Lyra))

20,000 Colones (Issued 2009)

Coffee cultivation, ecotourism, and the export of tropical agricultural produce formed the backbone of Costa Rica’s economy during the period in which this high-denomination banknote circulated. The 20,000 Colones note represented a significant transactional value, facilitating commerce in a country whose biodiversity and natural heritage had become central to its international identity. Costa Rica’s commitment to environmental conservation during this era was reflected not only in policy but also in the imagery chosen for its currency. The Banco Central de Costa Rica issued this note as part of a modernised series that celebrated both the nation’s cultural figures and its extraordinary natural world.

On the front, the dominant feature is a detailed portrait of María Isabel Carvajal, the celebrated Costa Rican writer and educator known by her pen name Carmen Lyra, rendered in a warm reddish-brown engraving against a predominantly salmon-pink and pale cream background. Her likeness is depicted with considerable precision, showing her facing slightly to the left with a composed and gentle expression, her dark hair styled softly around her face. To the upper right of the portrait, a dark silhouette map of Costa Rica is printed prominently, accompanied by the text “Costa Rica” running vertically along the right-hand edge of the note. The denomination is stated boldly in the lower right area of the face as “20 MIL COLONES” in large serif typography, with the numeral “20000” also appearing in vertical format along the left security strip, which is embedded into the paper and visible as a continuous column of repeated numerals. Two official signatures appear beneath the portrait area, labelled “PRESIDENTE” and “GERENTE” respectively, confirming the authorisation of the note by the Banco Central de Costa Rica. A small stylised numeral “20” appears in the lower right corner in a complementary ink, and fine guilloché patterning fills the background field behind the portrait, adding depth and security to the overall design. The paper itself carries a textured quality consistent with the high-grade cotton substrate typical of Central American banknotes of this period.

The reverse presents a vivid naturalistic composition dominated by a precisely rendered hummingbird in full flight, depicted in rich greens, reds, and deep grey-black tones, its wings outstretched and body angled dynamically as though hovering. The bird is identifiable as the Fiery-throated Hummingbird, a species native to the highland páramo ecosystems of Costa Rica, consistent with the word “PÁRAMO” printed in the upper right corner of the note. The background behind the hummingbird dissolves into a soft green and grey landscape suggesting misty mountainous terrain, evoking the cloud forests of the Talamanca mountain range. To the lower left, a large sunflower is depicted in warm yellows and greens, its petals rendered with botanical accuracy, and further floral and leafy foliage elements appear along the left margin. The serial number “A002506208” is printed twice across the upper portion of the reverse in dark red ink, once on the left and once centrally. The denomination “20 MIL COLONES” is repeated in large format on the lower left, and the full institutional name “BANCO CENTRAL DE COSTA RICA” appears in a bold red-brown band along the lower centre-right of the reverse. Small caption text appears near the hummingbird and flower identifying the species depicted. A small rabbit-like motif and additional flora appear along the right edge, completing the ecological tableau that defines this note’s reverse design.

Sell foreign coins and banknotes the simple way: this 20,000 Colones banknote can be exchanged through Webuyallcurrency.com together with other old or withdrawn Costa Rican Colones banknotes, all settled in a single transaction.

• Indicate the quantity of 20,000 Colones banknotes you want to exchange
• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button
• Your online account now shows the exchange value

Webuyallcurrency.com helps you exchange old coins and banknotes with no fuss, combining your Costa Rican Colones banknotes with other foreign currency into a single, hassle-free cash exchange.

Other Costa Rican Colones you can exchange: 1,000 colones, 2,000 colones, 5,000 colones, 10,000 colones, 50,000 colones, 500 colones.