CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICAN
COINS & CURRENCY

ARGENTINA COMMEMORATES OIL

Argentina issued this 2007  2 Pesos coin to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the nations petroleum industry. One side pictures an oil well, the other side depicts an oil pump and the name of the province “Chubut” where oil was discovered and is the heart of the countries petroleum industry. Oil was discovered in 1907, when a crew drilling for water, struck oil instead. In recent years the country has turned from a net exporter of energy to a net importer. Government price controls on energy and expropriations have dried up exploration and investment in the petroleum industry despite the country having potentially huge energy reserves.   The 30mm copper-nickel coin is Uncirculated.

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ARGENTINA CELEBRATES A NEW CONSTITUTION  

In 1994 Argentina implemented a major constitutional reform. The new constitution was designed to end previous abuses by increasing the protection of political and consumer rights, adding sections dealing with public ethics, environmental protection and limiting the power and term of the President.  These pure nickel 2 and 5 Peso coins were issued to commemorate the event.  Both 1994 dated coins have the same design.  The obverse features the Argentine Coat-of-Arms, the names of the two cities that hosted the Constitutional Convention, Parana and Santa Fe, and the arms of the two cities.  The reverse represents the Constitution as an open book, with the first words of the preamble depicted.

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BELIZE COIN SET INCLUDES COLUMBUS' SHIPS 

Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, is on the east coast of Central America. The area was the site of ancient Mayan civilizations and was sighted by Columbus in 1502.  It was settled by shipwrecked British sailors and pirates in the 17th century and became a British colony upon the collapse of the Spanish Empire in the 1820's. It became an independent nation in 1981.  Queen Elizabeth is the head of state and holds the title of Queen of Belize.  She is pictured on the obverse of all the coins.   The six-coin set includes the scalloped edged aluminum 1 cent, aluminum 5 cents, copper-nickel 10, 25 and 50 cents and a 10-sided nickel-brass 1 Dollar coin.  The dollar coin pictures Columbus' three ships.

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OLD UNCIRCULATGED "MODERN" COIN OF BOLIVIA

In 1937 Bolivia introduced a new "modern" style copper-nickel 10 Centavo coin.  Though the traditional Bolivian emblem remained, the lettering and an upraised arm holding a torch was done in a modern style.  Apparently, the design was not popular as the traditional design and lettering was brought back the following year.

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BEAUTIFUL OLD BRILLIANT UNCIRCULATED BOLIVIAN COINS

This Brilliant Uncirculated three coin set from Bolivia includes the copper-nickel 1935 5 Centavos, 1936 10 Centavos and the 1939 50 Centavos.  The obverses of the coins depict the Bolivian arms which feature the Potosi mountain silver mine and an alpaca.  The reverses have a caduceus, the denomination and date.  The 5 and 50 Centavos were struck only a single year. It is an attractive, old set in top condition.

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WORLD WAR II COINS OF BOLIVIA STRUCK AT THE PHILADELPHIA MINT

This three-coin set includes the zinc 10 and 20 Centavos and bronze 50 Centavos dated 1942.  The coins were struck at the United States mint in Philadelphia.   The three coins have similar designs.  The obverses depict the Bolivian arms which feature the Potosi mountain silver mine and an alpaca.  The reverses have a caduceus, the denomination and date. During World War II Bolivia's mines supplied much needed tin to the Allies.  Bolivia did not declare war on Germany until 1943, by which time it was becoming clear that the Axis powers were losing the war.  Bolivia did not send troops, ships or airplanes overseas to fight the war.

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BOLIVIA COMMEMORATES THEIR LOSS OF ACCESS TO THE PACIFIC

The War of the Pacific started as a dispute over the taxing of bird poop!  The war broke out in 1879 over a treaty dispute about Bolivia’s ability to raise taxes on a Chilean company mining bird guano in the Atacama Desert.  Chile defeated the combined forces of Bolivia and Peru.  Bolivia lost their corridor to the Pacific Ocean and Peru lost its southern tip to Chile. Since then the loss of the territories has been a rallying cry by politicians seeking to draw attention away from domestic problems.  In 2017 Bolivia released a set of four 2 Bolivianos commemorating the loss of their Pacific territory.  The 11-sided 2mm stainless steel coins have Bolivia’s arms on one side and the following designs on the other:  Genoveva Ríos was a young teen-age girl who bravely saved the Bolivian flag from Chilean troops.  Eduardo Abaroa is one of Bolivia’s foremost heroes in the war.  He died in the Battle of Topáter.  Outnumbered and low in ammunition, most of the Bolivian force withdrew, except for a small group of civilians led by Abaroa that fought to the end.  The Bolivian Colorados Regiment fought bravely in many of the battles of the war.   The Port of Cobija was Bolivia’s main seaport on the Pacific.  It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1868, destroyed again by a tsunami in 1877, annexed by Chile in 1884 and abandoned in 1907.  

For more War of the Pacific items please see:

THE BIRD POOP TAX WAR  - THE WAR OF THE PACIFIC

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BOLIVIA 1965 COIN SET

This three-coin set includes the 1965 dated 5, 10 and 50 Centavos from Bolivia.  The coins were the first issued by Bolivia since 1951 and were issued as part of a currency reform. The obverses of the coins depict the Bolivian arms which feature the Potosi mountain silver mine and an alpaca.  The denomination is on the reverse.

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BRAZIL SET FEATURES PROFESSIONS

This short-lived 4 coin set from Brazil features Brazilians engaged in their daily work.  The 1 Centavo depicts a farmer and cows.  A fisherman and two fish is on the 5 Centavos.  A miner and three diamonds is on the 10 Centavos.  The 50 Centavos depicts what appears to be a weaver making cloth.  The coins were introduced in 1989 as part of a currency reform, in which 1000 of the old Cruzados became worth 1 Crozado Novo.  Inflation continued out of controll and the coins were soon worthless.  In 1990 Brazil introduced another reform and Cruzado Nova was replaced by the Cruzeiro.   All four coins are made of Stainless Steel and feature the denomination on the obverse. It is an inexpensive and attractive Brilliant Uncirculated set.

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BRAZILIAN RIO OLYMPIC COINS

 Brazil released a series of circulating commemorative bi-metalic 1 Real coins to commemorate the 2016 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.  Sixteen  1 Real coins depicting various Olympic and Paralympic sports were released starting in 2014.  The four 2014 issues depict track, swimming, golf and the para-triathalon.  Eight coins were released in 2015 featuring basketball, swimming, rugby, Paralympic canoeing, soccer, volleyball, judo and Paralympic track.  Four 2016 coins have been released, depicting boxing, Paralympic mascot Tom, Olympic Mascot Vinicius and Paralympic swimming.   All the coins have a common reverse which includes the date, denomination and a motif from the Brazilian flag that features the Southern Cross constellation.    The 27mm bi-metallic coins have a stainless steel center and a bronze-plated steel outer ring.   All coins are Brilliant Uncirculated.

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SCARCE SILVER OLYMPIC COINS FROM BRAZIL

Brazil issued a series of beautiful sterling silver Proof 5 Reais coins to commemorate the 2016 Olympic games in Rio de Janeiro.  The 40mm coins have a mintage of only 25,000 each, contain .803 troy ounces of silver and come sealed in special capsules.  We have the following issues available: 2015 depicting beach volleyball on Copacabana on the obverse and a Chorinho band playing a guitar, tambourine, ukulele and flute on the reverse. They are popular, hard-to-find, host country silver Olympic coins.

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MUSEUM OF GOLD ON COLOMBIA 20 GOLD PESOS NOTE

The back of this Colombia 1983 20 Pesos Oro (Gold Pesos) note depicts golden objects from the Museum of Gold in Bogata.  The museum houses the world's largest collection of pre-Colombian gold relics.  The front depicts Francisco José de Caldas, a Colombian lawyer, scientist, military engineer and inventor who was killed by the Spanish in 1816 during Colombia's war for independence. Though the note is denominated in Gold Pesos, the note was not was not backed by gold and within a few years was virtually worthless. The note measures 140x70mm.

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MEXICAN COINS AND BANKNOTES NOW HAVE THEIR OWN PAGE:

 COINS AND CURRENCY OF MEXICO

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NICARAGUA COIN FEATURES OLD NATIONAL EMBLEM

The emblem of the long defunct Central American Republic, featuring a radiant sun-face rising over five mountain peaks appears on the reverse of this 1954 Nicaragua 50 Centavos.  Nicaragua based their national arms on the emblem.  The obverse features Francisco Hernández de Córdoba, a Spanish conquistador who is the founder of Nicaragua and for whom their currency is named.  He established the Nicaraguan cities of Granada and León in 1524. The 26mm copper-nickel coin has a lettered edge and is Uncirculated.  It has a catalog value of $15.00, however, our price is MUCH less.

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PANAMA 1953 50th ANNIVERSARY CENTESIMO  

Panama celebrated the 50th Anniversary of its independence in 1953 with the striking of this commemorative 1 Centesimo coin. One side pictures native chief Urraca, who helped Panama gain its independence from Spain in 1821, before it joined the Colombian Federation. The reverse shows the date and denomination. Panama gained its independence from Colombia in 1903 with the help of the United States, after Colombia rejected a treaty with the United States to build a canal across the isthmus. The bronze 1 Centesimo has the same composition and dimensions as the United States cent and has a mintage of 1.5 Million. The coin is Uncirculated, though may be slightly toned.

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PANAMA’S MEDICAL COMMEMORATIVES  

Panama released two circulating commemorative 1/4 Balboa coins in 2008.  One is for Breast Cancer Awareness and features a ribbon.  The other commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Children’s Hospital in Panama City and pictures the hospital.  Both feature the Panamanian arms on the obverse.

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A TRIPLE COMMEMORATIVE FROM PANAMA

This Panamanian  1 Centesimo dated 2000 is a triple commemorative.  It commemorates the Panama Canal, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the beginning of the 21st century.  Pretty impressive for a low value coin. The 22.8mm aluminum coin depicts a ship passing through the canal on one side and the national arms on the other.

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BI-METALLIC COLORED RED CROSS COINS FROM PANAMA

Panama issued a colored Balboa coins in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial of the Panamanian Red Cross.  The coin  features a red cross against a white background.  The  26.5mm bi-metallic coin  featuresthe arms of Panama on the obverse.  

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WITH HEROES LIKE THESE, WHO NEEDS VILLAINS 

This seven coin set from Paraguay features some of the nations top heroes. With heroes like these it is little wonder that the country has suffered so greatly over the years. The 1000 Guaranies pictures Francisco Solano Lopez, a 19th century megalomaniac whose rule nearly destroyed his country. He ruled the country as his own personal property, at one time he transferred most land in the country to his mistress. Fearful of any potential opposition, ordered the executions of his own brothers and had his mother and sisters tortured. He ordered the executions of cabinet ministers, judges, bishops, priests and most of the civil officers. He also attempted to have himself canonized by the local bishops. He started wars with Brazil and Argentina, known as the War of the Triple Alliance, which resulted in the near total destruction of his country, loss of vast amounts of territory as well as the loss of over half of its population. Some have estimated that up to 90% of the male population died as a result of the war. The reveres pictures the National Heroes Pantheon. The 500 Guaranies pictures General Bernardino Caballero. In 1881 he organized a coup to become President. He fathered 90 children outside of marriage. In 1886 he rigged the elections to assure his favored candidate would be chosen, and founded the Colorado party. The reverse pictures the Central Bank of Paraguay. The 100 Guaranies pictures General Jose E. Diaz, a hero of the War of the Triple Alliance, who died in battle. He was promoted to General an hour before his death. The reverse pictures Ruins of Humaita, The 50 Guarani depicts Major General José Félix Estigarribia. A military hero for his victory over Bolivia in the Chaco War, he was elected President in 1939. Six months later he suspended the constitution, dissolved the legislature and granted himself broad powers. In 1940 he died in an airplane crash. The reverse pictures the Acaray River Dam. The 10 Guarani depicts General Eugenio Alejandrino Garay, who lead several successful battles in the Chaco War despite his advanced age, and who was an accomplished journalist. The reverse pictures a cow. A generic Paraguayan woman holding a pot is on the 5 Guarani and a Paraguayan soldier is on the 1 Guarani. The top four denominations are dated 2007 or 2008, while the lower three denominations are brass-colored and are dated 1992 to 1996. All seven coins are Brilliant Uncirculated.

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PERUVIAN SILVER MEDAL CLAIMS PART OF CHILE!

ADMIRAL GRAU MONUMENT TOKEN FROM PERU

ADMIRAL GRAU ON PERUVIAN COINS

BOLIVIA COMMEMORATES THEIR LOSS OF ACCESS TO THE PACIFIC

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400th ANNIVERSARY OF THE LIMA MINT

Peru issued commemorative coins in 1965 to honor the 400th anniversary of the founding of the Lima Mint.  The mint, was founded in 1565.  Under Spanish control it produced thousands of tons of silver and silver and gold coins, most of which were shipped to Spain or used in trade in the Orient.  The coins all have similar designs, with a representation of an early coin of the mint and the dates “1565 + 1965” on one side and the Peruvian arms and the denomination on the other. The  5, 10, 25, 50 Centavo and 1 Sol are all struck in brass.

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VENEZUELA 2008 REVALUATION COIN SET  

On January 1, 2008 Venezuela implemented a 1000 to 1 revaluation of their currency, replacing the Bolivar with the new Bolivar Fuerte (Strong).  Due to political and economic mismanagement and falling oil prices the Bolivar Fuerte has proved to be anything but strong and has lost almost all of its value.  We offer the now hard to find Bolivar Fuerte coins.  The seven coin set includes the 1, 5, 10, 12 1/2, 25 and 50 Centavos dated 2007 and a bi-metallic 1 Bolivar dated 2012.  The 1 Bolivar pictures national hero Simon Bolivar and has a lettered edge.  The other denominations show the denomination in large numerals on the reverse.  The 12 1/2 Centavos (1/8 Bolivar) is an unusual denomination that harkens back when Spanish Pieces-of-Eight circulated in the region.  Because of severe inflation in Venezuela the coins no longer circulate and are difficult to obtain.

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VENEZUELAN COMMEMORATIVE COINS

In 2011 Venezuela issued a 25 Centavos for the 200th anniversary of the signing of their Act of Independence.  In 2010 it issued a 50 Centavos commemorating the 70th anniversary of its Central Bank.  Considering the severe inflation and economic mismanagement the country has experienced it would not seem to be an event one would want to commemorate.  The standard reverses are used on the coins which have the denomination and eight stars.   Both coins are nickel-plated steel.  Due to Venezuela's inflation the coins circulated only briefly and are worth far more as scrap metal than their face value, making them hard to find today.

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2016 COINS OF VENEZUELA

In conjunction with the planned withdrawal 100 Bolivar note in December 2016, Venezuela introduced three new coins: the 10, 50 and 100 Bolivar dated 2016.  Also issued at that time were new high denomination banknotes. Due to of the inability of the government to get the coins to the banks and the rapid depreciation of the value of the Bolivar the withdrawal of the notes has been repeatedly postponed.  The three coins are struck in a magnetic alloy and have similar designs.   The obverses feature the Barre portrait of Simon Bolivar, which has been used on Venezuela's coins since 1873.  Behind him are three undulating lines representing the three stripes of Venezuela's flag.  The reverses have Venezuela's new coat-of-arms, the denomination and date.  Because of their lack of buying power and the economic collapse of Venezuela the coins rarely circulate and are difficult to obtain.  

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ATTRACTIVE & UNUSUAL VENEZUELAN BANKNOTES   

Reduced size images This full set recent banknotes from Venezuela is both attractive and unusual.  The notes are unusual in that they are issued in both the vertical and horizontal format.  The front of the note is vertical and features a national hero.  The back is horizontal and features native wildlife.  The 2012 2 Bolivares features Francisco de Miranda and a small vignette of a ship on the front. Miranda helped Venezuela to obtain its independence from Spain, only to be betrayed by fellow revolutionary Simon Bolivar. The back pictures two Tonijas, also known as Orinico River Dolphins.  The front of 2011 5 Bolivares features "Negro Primero", also known as Pedro Camejo.  Born a slave, he joined the revolution against Spain and became a brave and skillful army officer, until dying in battle in 1821.  The back of the note features two Giant Armadillo.  The 2014 10 Bolivares depicts Guaicaipuro, who led a coalition of tribes against the Spanish conquest of Venezuela in the 16th century. The back pictures an American Harpy Eagle with the Ucaima Falls in the background.  Luisa Cáceres de Arismendi, is on the 2013 20 Bolivares.  In 1814, at age 15, she married the 39 year old General Juan Bautista Arismendi, who was fighting for Venezuela’s independence from Spain. A few months later the pregnant Luisa was captured by the Spanish in order to exert pressure on her husband.  She was imprisoned in a dark dungeon and given poor food, but did not betray her husband.  Her child died at birth due to the poor prison conditions.  In 1816 Spanish put her on a ship to Spain, however the ship was attacked by privateers, and she and the other passengers were stranded in the Azores.  She was eventually taken to Spain.  All this time she had no communication with her husband, family or friends.  In 1818 she escaped to the United States and from there eventually made it back to Venezuela and to her husband.  She went on to have a total of eleven children. Quite an adventure!   The back depicts two Hawksbill turtles and the Macanao Mountains.  The 2016 50 Bolivares pictures Venezuelan philosopher and educator Simón Rodríguez.  A Spectacled Bear is on the back.  Simon Bolivar, who led the fight for the independence of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia depicted on the front of the 2015 100 Bolivares.  Venezuela’s currency is named after him.  The back features a pair of Red Siskin birds.  On December 12, 2016 the government suddenly demonetized the 100 Bolivares notes, giving citizens two days to redeem their currency.  It was the highest denomination and made up a majority of the value of currency in circulation. The banks of course were not prepared, creating vast chaos.  The government claimed the move was to stop speculators and smugglers.  In reality it mainly hurts the poor who are do most of their transactions in cash, keep what little savings they have in cash and are unable to invest in property, gold or foreign currency.  The notes all measure 69x157mm. 

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VENEZUELA 100,000 BOLIVARES INFLATION NOTE  

Venezuela introduced a new high denomination 100,000 Bolivares banknote in November 2017 in response to the countries hyperinflation brought on by the governments economic and political mismanagement.  The Simon Bolivar is on the front of the note in a vertical format, and Red siskin birds are on the back in a horizontal format.  The same design was used on the previous 20,000 Bolivares and 100 Bolivares notes, but in a different color.  In an effort to disguise the galloping inflation, the denomination is spelled out in words, rather than the full numerical value. The notes are apparently in short supply "due to a shortage of paper" according to the government.  The note is expected to be replaced soon as Venezuela recently announced that it will revalue its currency.

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NEW VENEZUELA INFLATION NOTES

Venezuela continues to suffer from severe inflation due to the incompetence of its socialist government. In March 2021 Venezuela introduced three new high denomination notes:  200,000, 500,000 and 1 Million Bolivares   All 3 notes feature Simon Bolivar on the front and are dated September 3, 2020.   The 200,000 and 500,000 Bolivares depict his mausoleum on the back.  The back of the 1 Million Bolivares commemorates and depicts the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Carabobo. Bolivar's victory over the Spanish Royalist forces in the battle led to Venezuela's independence. The design includes the Arch of Triumph in Campo Carabobo and a painting of the battle featuring men on horseback. Venezuela's inflation continues around 3000% annually and the Central Bank has announced a milllion to one currecny revaluation on October 1, so these notes are not expected to remain in circulation for long. A "Digital Bolivar" is to be released at the same time.  Venezuela's previous digital currency, the Petro, which was released in 2018, gained little acceptance despite regulations requireing it to be used to purchase certain government services and goods.   

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Also see:
 COINS AND CURRENCY OF MEXICO

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