Costa Rican currency has always been as colorful the Costa Rican culture, but now it’s getting a makeover! About a year ago the government rolled out the 1000 and 2000 colones bills (about $2 and $4 USD respectively). The new 1000 colones bill features former Head of State Braulio Carrillo Colina on the front and the “Elephant Ear tree” and White-tailed deer on the back. Mauro Fernandez Acuña, Costa Rican lawyer and politician, graces the front of the 2000 colones note, with a bull shark featured on the back.

With the new bills rolling out, we can’t help but notice the continued trend of featuring historical Costa Rican figures as well as the beautiful wildlife that the country is known for. Take a look at the photos below to see what the bills have looked like in the past and the bright, beautiful bills we have to look forward to.

Old bills

Front of the new bills, featuring historical figures of Costa Rica.

Back of the new bills, featuring popular Costa Rican wildlife.

**Thanks to crreferrals.com for all images.