Depicts the first shield of Costa Rica adopted in 1848 and the current version, the flag in the center, surrounded by the inscriptions "175th Anniversary of the First Costa Rican Republic" and "Your emblem dignifies the holy country love".

The first shield of Costa Rica, adopted in 1848, symbolized the nation’s geography, trade, and agricultural wealth. It featured three volcanoes, a fertile valley, and oceans on either side, representing Costa Rica’s position between the Pacific and Atlantic. Two merchant ships highlighted the importance of trade, while a cannon and a horn of plenty were placed below, symbolizing defense and abundance. The shield also included five stars, representing the provinces of Costa Rica at the time, and the inscription "América Central" above, reflecting the nation’s ties to the region.

The current version of Costa Rica’s shield, adopted in 1983, retains many of the original elements but with some key changes. The number of stars was increased to seven, symbolizing the country’s seven provinces. The volcanoes are now depicted with smoke rising from them, emphasizing Costa Rica’s volcanic activity. The cannon and horn of plenty were removed, and the design focuses more on the country’s peaceful and democratic identity, with two ships still representing Costa Rica’s maritime history and trade.

Depicts the denomination, the issuing country, and the inscription "Central Bank of Costa Rica" above, the latent image (500 / BCCR) below.