In the 1970's, nine commemorative notes were issued by Costa Rica.  The first six were a series printed to commemorate the 150th anniversary of independence, declared on 15 September 1821.  The commemorative note was issued as an over-print on the front of regular issue notes.  The circular over-print reads:  "150 Aņos de Independcia, 1821 - 1971."

The last three notes are probably R3 in rarity and, when available cost approximately $500.00 in EF or Unc.

    Costa Rica also celebrated the 25th anniversary of it's Central Bank, the sole currency issuing bank.  This is also an over-print and the legend printed on the front and back reads:  "XXV Aniversario, Banco Central de Costa Rica."  This note is not rare.

    A third Costa Rican series celebrates the 100 anniversary of the foundation of the Bank of Costa Rica, 1877 - 1977.  The notes are interesting in that the front shows a picture of a 50 Centavo Coin of 1866 on the left.  The back of the note illustrates the reverse of the 50 Centavo coin.  On the right, on the back, the overprinted commemorative text reads:  "1877 Centenario."

    Cuba issued a note in 1975 for the 15th anniversary of the nationalization of banking in Cuba.  The front of the note has a portrait of the Cuban revolutionary hero, Jose Marti, and an illustration of the Cuban coat of arms.  Within the coat of arms is a key, a symbol for the city of Havana.  The key was first used by revolutionary forces as a counter-stamp on coinage from 1872-1877.

    The Dominican Republic issued a special commemorative text overprint for the inauguration of the new Banco Central Building.  The note includes an illustration of the new building on the back.  The note was issued in two different categories.  The over-print reads:  "Inauguration of Banco Central Building".

    Honduras memorialized the centennial of the Marco Aurelios Soto Government with a note printed with the portrait of Soto on the right front.  Soto was a liberal politician who broke the thirty year control of the government by the conservative party.  He became president in 1876 and served until 1894.  The back of the note shows the island and the port of Amapala.

    Jamaica printed a note, in 1973, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights signed by the members of the United Nations.  A commemorative text over-print on the back of the note reads:  "Universal Declaration of Human Rights/1948 to 10 December 1973.  Towards Food, Education, and Employment for All/Articles 23 - 26."  This Declaration was adopted on 10 December, 1948 in Paris.  The Declaration sets forth a common standard of achievement for all peoples within the world.  One author was Eleanor Rossevelt, an appointed member of the United Nations Commission.

    Venezuela issued two commemorative notes memorializing the death of Simon Bolivar.  Bolivar died in 1830 and the notes celebrate the 150th anniversary of his death.  Both notes show a portrait of Bolivar on the right front with a similar portrait as a watermark on the left.  The back of the note shows a scene of hand-to-hand combat symbolizing Bolivar's leading role in the liberation of several South American States from Spain.

    The eight other countries throughout the world that issued commemorative notes are listed below:

    Part four will cover 1981 through 1990, for an additional number of eight commemorative notes from Latin America and a listing of twenty-three additional world-wide notes printed during the decade.  Part five, the final chapter of this series, will complete the review of the first century of commemorative notes printed throughout the world.