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Banknotes and Coinage of Colombia (Part 1): The Evolution of Coinage in
Colombia:
For Part 2 of this post "The evolution of Banknotes in Colombia, please click on the following link: (History of Evolution of Banknotes in Colombia)
About
Colombia:
The Republic of Colombia
is situated in the North-West of South America bordered to the North-West by
Panama, to the East by Venezuela and Brazil, to the South by Ecuador and Peru.
Colombia shares its maritime limits with Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras,
Jamaica, Dominican Republic and Haiti. It is a unitary, constitutional Republic
comprising 32 departments (country sub-divisions, formed by grouping of
Municipalities which are granted certain degree of autonomy) and a Capital
District (Distrito Capital).
In 1498,
Christopher Columbus reached the Atlantic coasts of Colombia and Venezuela.
The name “Colombia” is
derived from “Christopher Columbus” (or “Cristoforo
Colombo” in Italian). It was conceived by the Venezuelan Revolutionary
Francisco de Miranda for all the New World territories, particularly to those
territories which were under Spanish & Portuguese rule.
The territories which comprise
Colombia were originally inhabited by indigenous people – the Muisca, Quimbaya
and Tairona.
In 1499, the
Spanish began their conquest and colonisation of these territories, & the
first Spanish settlements were set up in the 16th Century,
which ultimately resulted in the creation of the “Viceroyalty of New Granada” in 1717, having its
capital at “Santa Fe de Bogota”.
In 1811, the
territories which comprise Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela started a freedom
struggle against Spanish Rule.
In 1819, these
territories won their Independence from Spain and the name “Republic of
Colombia” was adopted for the territories formed out of the old
“Viceroyalty of New Granada” (modern day Colombia, Panama, Venezuela, Ecuador
and North-West Brazil).
In 1845, Spain
recognised these three countries as free countries. Initially the three
countries united to form “Greater Colombia” or “Gran Colombia”
By 1830, “Gran
Colombia” disintegrated, with the secession of Venezuela and Ecuador. Colombia
and Panama were now called “Republic of New Granada”.
By 1858, the new
nation experimented with Federalism and was named as the “Granadine
Confederation” later renamed as the “United States of Colombia” by 1863.
Colombia was ridden by
civil wars in the early 20th century, and the territory of
Panama seceded with the connivance of the USA.
In 1886, the name
“Republic of Colombia” was adopted.
In 1903, Panama
seceded from the Federation.
Since the 1960s,
the country has once again, suffered from armed conflict and Drug Cartels.
Present
day Colombia is inhabited by people descending from the
original inhabitants, Spanish colonists, African slaves and 20th
century immigrants from Europe and the Middle-East all bringing with them
Colombia’s multi-cultural diversity.
Evolution
of Colombia’s currency/coinage:
Around
1620, a mint was opened by the Spanish Colonists at Bogota, which struck
silver pesos.
In
1729, a subsidiary mint which began minting silver coins was also opened
at Popayan.
From 1756, gold
coins were struck at the Bogota mint which had surprisingly sharp engravings
and images on them.
In 1785, the
elegant 8 Escudos coins portraying Charles III on the Obverse, with the
crowned Royal Arms of Spain on the Reverse.
During the Spanish
colonial period, silver ¼, ½, 1, 2, 4 and 8 Reales and gold 1, 2, 4 and 8
escudo coins were struck at Bogota and Popayan.
Since 1810, the Peso
has been the currency of Colombia. The exchange rate for the Reales in
circulation was 1 Peso for 8 Reales.
During the prolonged Wars of Independence, Spanish
Royalists and Republican Freedom Fighters struck coins in
areas/territories under their control – the Royalists at Popayan and Santa
Marta and the Freedom Fighters in Cartagena and Cundinamarca.
In Popayan, ½, 2
and 8 Real coins (all in copper) and in Santa Marta ¼ and ½ Reale (both
denominations in copper) and 2 Reales
(silver) were minted, while, at Cartagena ½ and 2 Reales coins (both in
copper) were issued for the Republicans.
On the other hand, in Cundinamarca,
½ and 2 Reales ¼, ½, 1 and 2 Reales coins (all in silver) were issued. The
Republican coinage continued to be issued between 1819 and 1823 in
silver.
Later, the Republic of
Colombia issued ¼, ½, 1 and 8 Reales (all in Silver) and 1 Peso, 2, 4 and 8
Escudos (all in gold).
In 1819, the
present currency system of 100 Centavos to 1 Peso was adopted and was first
used on the early Banknotes.
Until 1820,
Colombia used the Spanish Colonial Real, some of which were minted in Bogota
and Popayan but no further minting of
these coins took place after this year.
After 1820,
coins were made specifically for Colombia. A National Coinage of Escudos
and Reales, richly symbolic with flowers, cornucopiae and doves of peace, as
well as, the head of Lady Liberty was minted.
Until 1837, the Real
was the currency of Colombia. No sub-divisions of the Real were there until
after the Real ceased to be the main unit of currency. (The standard rate of
sub-division of the real was 8 Reales = 1 Peso and 16 Reales = 1 Escudo).
In 1837, the Peso
which was equal to 8 Reales became the primary unit of currency.
Until 1847,
the Real continued to circulate as one-eighth of a Peso, whereafter
In 1847, the first attempt to decimalise the currency
brought out a Peso equivalent to 10 Reales or Decimos and a new Real was
introduced which had the value of one-tenth of a Peso and was sub-divided into
10 Decimos de Reales.
These coins continued to
depict the previous symbols, but depicted the denominational value on their
Reverses.
In 1853, this new
Real was renamed as the Decimo & the last Reales were struck in 1880.
During the period of Civil
Wars, after Colombia gained Independence from Spanish Rule, uniface coins
of 10, 20 and 50 Centavos were struck from thin sheets of brass at Santander
under the command of General Ramon Gonzales Valencia.
In the post Civil War
years, paper currency depreciated alarmingy, so much so that a paper peso was
worth no more than a Centavo in silver coinage. 1, 2 and 5 peso coins of the
period 1907 – 1916 are inscribed “P/M” below the value on the Reverse,
denoting, “papel moneda” (or
“paper money”.
Between 1837 and 1839,
the Republic of New Granada circulated ¼, ½, 1, 2 and 8 Real coins (all silver)
and 1, 2 and 16 Pesos coins (all gold). These were mostly continuation of coins
issued before 1837 in the name of Republic of Colombia but with the Escudo
denominations replaced by Pesos.
In 1845, Spain
recognised its erstwhile colonies as free countries. “Gran Colombia” began
striking Reales or using counter-marked Spanish pieces, with numerous local
issues during the War of Independence.
In 1847, the
currency was decimalised and coins were issued in the denominations of ½ and 1
Decimo de Real (both in Copper) and 1, 2, 8 and 10 Reales (all in silver).
In 1849 and 1850, ¼
and ½ Real coins were issued.
In 1853, The Real
was renamed Decimo and ½ and 1 Decimo (both n silver) and 10 Peso (in gold)
coins were introduced.
In 1854, 2 Decimo
coins (in silver) were circulated.
In 1855, 1 Peso
coins (in silver) were circulated.
In 1856, 5 Peso
coins (in gold) were issued.
Between 1859 and 1862,
coins were issued by the “Grenadine Confederation” – ¼, ½ and 2 Reales
(all in silver) and 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 Pesos (all in gold).
In 1861, the United States
of New Granada issued 1 Decimo and 1 Peso coins (both in silver).
The
decimal system of 100 Centavos reappeared in the early 1860s on banknotes and
on coins in 1872 when the Peso of 100 Centavos was adopted.
In 1880, the Reales
stopped being struck.
In 1886, the name
of the country again became “Republic of Colombia”, with the first
issues being 5 Centavos (Cupro-Nickel).
Between 1887 and 1889,
50 Centavos coins (in silver) were issued.
In 1897, 10 and 20
Centavos coins (both in silver) were issued.
From
1901 onwards, special coins were minted by Colombia for the use of
patients in the government managed leper colonies at Agua de Dios, Cano de Loro
and Contratacion. The Obverse of these coins bore the name of the country with
Lazareto engraved across the middle. These coins ranging from 1 Centavo to 10
Pesos continued to be used in leper colonies until the colonies were shut
down in 1959.
In 1902, 5 Centavos
coins (in silver) were circulated.
From 1907 to 1916,
once Colombia’s paper currency had got stabilised, 1, 2 and 5 Pesos coins (all
in cupro-nickel) were issued.
From 1912, Liberty
heads and arms or symbols providing the motifs, with profiles of Bolivar &
other National figures appeared very prominently on the coinage.
From 1913 to 1929,
2½ and 5 Peso coins (both in gold) were issued having the same weight and
composition as the half-sovereign and sovereign, as the Peso was pegged to the
Pound Sterling.
In 1918, the 1, 2
and 5 Pesos coins were replaced by 1, 2 and 5 Centavo coins of the same size
and composition.
In 1919 and 1924,
10 Pesos coins (in gold) were circulated which were issued till 1930.
In 1942, 1 and 5
Centavo coins (both in bronze).
In 1948, 2 Centavos
coins (bronze) were issued.
Between 1952 and 1958,
the metallic composition from 10, 20 and 50 Centavos coins was changed from
silver to cupro-nickel.
In 1960, the 2
Centavos coin was withdrawn from circulation.
In 1962, Bronze,
and later copper-clad steel subsidiary coins were introduced, with a wreathed
Cap of Liberty on the Obverse and the denominational value in numerals
flanked by flowers and a cornucopia on the Reverse. The higher
denominations bore armorial motifs and were struck in Brass.
In 1967, 1 and 5
Centavos (both copper-clad steel) and 10, 20 and 50 Centavos (nickel-clad) and
1 Peso coin (cupro-nickel) were issued.
In 1968, Colombia
began its Commemorative Coins Programme
with the issue of 5 Pesos (cupro-nickel) and 100 Pesos (gold) coins to mark the
Eucharistic Congress.
In 1971, a 5 Pesos
coin was issued to commemorate the Pan-American Games.
The number of commemorative
coins issued, thereafter, has been few thereafter, which are mostly of high
denominations – 500, 1000, 1500 and 200 Pesos denominations struck in gold.
In 1977, 2 Pesos
coins (bronze) were circulated.
By
1984, following high inflation, all denominations below 1 Peso ceased to
be minted and higher denominations were introduced in a phased manner.
In 1980, 5 Pesos
coins were introduced.
In 1981, 10 Pesos
coins were introduced.
In 1982, 20 Pesos
coins were introduced.
In 1986, 50 Pesos
coins were circulated.
In 1992, 100 Pesos
coins were circulated.
In 1994, 200 Pesos
coins were circulated.
In 1993, 500 Pesos
coins were issued.
In 1996, 1000 Pesos
coins were issued. The higher values of
500 and 1000 Pesos were struck in bimetallic composition.
The
previously issued Coin Series (but circulating parallel with the later Series
issued wef 13.06.2012):
On the Obverse of the 20 Pesos coin is depicted the Simon Bolivar.
Simon
Jose Antonio de la Santisimo Trinidad Bolivar y Palacios
(24.07.1783-17.12.1830): was a Venezuelan military
and political leader who played a leading role, through military campaigns, in
the establishment of Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru and Colombia as
sovereign states, independent of Spanish Rule.
On the Reverse of the 20 Pesos coin is given the denominational value of the Coin “20
Pesos”.
The specifications of this coin are:
Metal
Composition: Copper – 70%, Zinc – 30%; Diameter: 17.20 mm; Thickness: 1.15 mm; Weight: 2.00 gms.
On the Obverse of the 50 Pesos coin is depicted the Coat of Arms of Colombia with
the words “Republica de Colombia” on the upper periphery.
On the Reverse of the 50 Pesos coin is given the denominational value of the Coin “50
Pesos”.
The specifications of this coin are:
Metal
Composition: Copper, Nickel, Zinc; Diameter: 21.00 mm; Thickness: 1.30 mm; Weight: 4.50 gms.
On the Obverse of the 100 Pesos coin is depicted the Coat of Arms of Colombia with
the words “Republica de Colombia” on the upper periphery.
On the Reverse of the 100 Pesos coin is given the
denominational value of the Coin “100 Pesos”.
The specifications of this coin are:
Metal
Composition: Aluminium Bronze – Copper 92%, Aluminium
6%, Nickel 2%; Diameter:
23.00 mm; Thickness: 1.55 mm;
Weight: 5.31 gms.
On the Obverse of the 200 Pesos coin is depicted a “Quimbaya
Civilisation figurine”.
The
Quimbaya Civilisation: was a South American Civilisation,
noted for spectacular gold work characterised by technical accuracy and
detailed designs. The Quimbaya people inhabited areas corresponding to the
modern departments of Quindio, Caldas and Risaralda in Colombia around the
valley of the Cauca River. The Quimbaya people reached their hey-days during
the 4th to 7th Century CE known as the Quimbaya Classic.
A gold statuette made during the Quimbaya period
A gold statuette made during the Quimbaya period
Interestingly, most of the
items found are part of funeral offerings, which were placed inside hollow
trunk sarcophagi. The gold represented a sacred metal and the passport for the afterlife.
On the Reverse of the 200 Pesos coin is given the
denominational value of the Coin “200 Pesos”.
The specifications of this coin are:
Metal
Composition: Copper 65%, Zinc 20%, Nickel 15%; Diameter: 24.40 mm; Thickness: 1.70 mm; Weight: 7.08 gms.
The Obverse of the 500 Pesos bi-metallic coin shows the "Guacari Tree"
The Obverse of the 500 Pesos bi-metallic coin shows the "Guacari Tree"
On the Obverse of the 500 Pesos coin is depicted “El
arbol de Guacari” (Guacari’s tree) in recognition of the
efforts made by the people of Guacari, Valle
del Cauca to preserve the environment and protect the ecology.
Valle
del Cauca (or the Cauca Valley) is a department of
Colombia on the western side of the country facing the Pacific Ocean and is one
of the most important departments in the Republic of Colombia, with its capital
at Santiago.
The Reverse of the 500 Pesos coin shows the denominational value "500"
On the Reverse of the 500 Pesos coin is given the denominational value of the Coin “500 Pesos”.
On the Reverse of the 500 Pesos coin is given the denominational value of the Coin “500 Pesos”.
The specifications of this coin are:
Metal
Composition: Outer Ring: Copper 92%, Aluminium 6%,
Nickel 2%; Centre: Copper 65%, Zinc 20%, Nickel 15%; Diameter: 23.50 mm; Thickness:
2.00 mm; Weight: 7.43 gms.
Introduction
of new Series of Coins:
On 13.06.2012, a new
series of coins with the 500 and 1000 Pesos coins being bi-metallic
were issued and which are presently in circulation along with the earlier
Series.
The
new family of coins has the theme of showcasing the outstanding Colombian
bio-diversity and the commitment of the “Banco de la Republica, Colombia”
(the Central Bank of Colombia) to highlight the environment and its sustainability.
The
engraving of this new coin Series of five denominations viz: 1000, 500, 200,
100 and 50 Pesos, highlights the importance of environmental resource,
especially water, the leitmotif of all denominations. This valuable
resource is represented explicitly or implicitly on the new coins, not only to
facilitate coin recognition by the users, but also to reinforce the educational
intention on environmental awareness.
In addition, the Series
highlights several representative/native species of rich Colombian
bio-diversity.
It aims to also contribute
to the education and public awareness about the need to take care of the
country’s typical flora and fauna. These designs have reiterated the Central
Bank’s focus on promoting and preserving Colombia’s natural resources for a
sustainable future.
Reducing
minting costs and sizes of coins and redefining metallic compositions:
Owing to inflationary
pressures, the cost of minting coins has increased significantly. As such, the metallic composition has undergone a
revision along with redefining the coin sizes viz reducing the sizes of
50, 100 and 200 Peso coins.
Also, a 1000 Pesos coin
has been reintroduced, with new security features, so as to lessen the
general issuing costs of currency, since it will replace the Banknote of 1000 Pesos denomination which has a life
span of about 12 months only as compared to the coin’s lifetime of say, about
20 years.
Security
Features:
Currency counterfeiting
has been a bit of a problem in Colombia, with counterfeiters developing new
techniques to counterfeit Banknotes & Coins of both Colombia as well as
other countries. This was the main
reason why the 1000 Pesos coin was withdrawn some years ago.
The improved security
features in the new series of coins has “raised the bar” and made it difficult
for counterfeiters in future.
Presently
Circulating Coin Series (introduced wef: 13.06.2012):
The Obverse of the 1000 Pesos bi-metallic coin shows an engraving of the Loggerhead turtle
The Obverse of the 1000 Pesos bi-metallic coin shows an engraving of the Loggerhead turtle
On the Obverse of the 1000 Pesos coin is depicted a logger-head turtle entering the water.
The
Loggerhead Turtle: is a highly migratory marine species
for nesting; one of the sites of choice for this process and the foraging are
the Colombian beaches of the Caribbean and the Pacific. Its population has been
significantly affected due to hunting of its shell, the collection of its eggs,
the invasion of spawning beaches and the incidental catch by trawlers in the
shrimp industry.
On
this face the following features are additionally incorporated:
a) There is a multi-level image of a Turtle
named “CAGUAMA” located on the left side of the coin and partially
covers the centre field. The turtle is created by multi-level to generate
volume and three-dimensionality. The Turtle has fine details in its design,
making it a complex image with different reliefs and high definition.
b) There is an external and internal beading
made up of a dots string in high relief and high definition.
c) There is a circumscribed text showing the
word “Agua” in high relief, repeated 7 times in consecutive and inverted form
each one with respect to the previous one.
d) External waves are seen in lines in different reliefs,
which displacement covers the ring and the centre, interrupted only by the text
of the name of the Turtle.
The Reverse of the 1000 Pesos bi-metallic coin shows the denominational value "1000' year of issue "2012" & name of issuing country "Republica de Colombia"
On the Reverse of the 1000 Pesos coin is depicted the denominational value of the coin
“1000 Pesos” and the name of the issuing country “REPUBLICA
DE COLOMBIA”. The year of issue is mentioned as “2012”.
On
this face the following features are additionally incorporated:
a) Latent image which facilitates displaying of 2 images – at
an angle the letters “BRC” (initials of “Banco
de la Republica de Colombia”) and the other the letters “MIL” (meaning
“thousand”) – in both views the appearance of waves giving continuity to the
design.
Tilting the 1000 Pesos coin at an angle shows the letters "BRC"
Tilting the 1000 Pesos coin at an angle shows the letters"MIL"
Tilting the 1000 Pesos coin at an angle shows the letters "BRC"
Tilting the 1000 Pesos coin at an angle shows the letters"MIL"
b) There is a circumscribed micro-text with
the words “CUIDAR EL AGUA” (meaning “take care of the water”) in high relief,
repeated four times in consecutive and inverted form each one with respect to
the previous one.
c) The Rim is circular, followed by a
step-wise nonagon (meaning “nine-sided”) rim.
d) The Edge is grooved.
e) There are wave-like lines at 90 degrees
with very fine parallel lines.
The specifications of this Bi-metallic coin are:
Metallic
Composition/Alloys: Outer Ring: (Yellow) –
Copper, Nickel, Zinc; Inner Centre: (White) – Copper, Nickel, Zinc; Diameter: 17.50 mm
(Centre)/26.70 mm (Outer + Inner); Thickness:
2.20 mm; Weight: 9.95 gms; Rim Height: 2.70 mm.
The Obverse of the 500 Pesos coin shows the Crystal Frog
The Obverse of the 500 Pesos coin shows the Crystal Frog
On the Obverse of the 500 Pesos coin is depicted a crystal frog from the
foothills area in the Andes.
The
Crystal Frog (or “Rana de Cristal”): is a unique
amphibian of tropical America. It is particularly diverse in the Colombia
Andean Cloud forests. It causes curiosity with the transparency of its skin and
muscles in the front of its body (in some species it is seen on the back also),
which allows one to observe all its internal organs. Colombia is one of the
richest countries in species of amphibians in the world and the frog is an
important part of the eco-system and in need of conservation due to its fragile
populations.
On
this face of coin the following features are additionally incorporated:
a) Beneath the engraving
of the frog is a series of undulating
lines which are also found on the Reverse of the coin, around its outer
edge.
b) There is a multi-level image of the frog
titled “Rana de Cristal” (the
Zoological name of the Frog). The frog is created by multi-level to generate
volume and three-dimensionality. The Turtle has fine details in its design,
making it a complex image with different reliefs and high definition.
c) External waves are seen in lines in different reliefs, which
displacement covers the ring and the centre.
d) The Rim is circular, followed by a
step-wise heptagonal (meaning “seven-sided”) rim.
The Reverse of the 500 Pesos coin exhibits the same features as enumerated below.
The Reverse of the 500 Pesos coin exhibits the same features as enumerated below.
The specifications of this Bi-metallic coin are:
Metallic
Composition/Alloys: Outer Ring: (White) – Copper,
Nickel, Zinc; Inner Centre: (White) – Copper, Aluminium, Nickel; Diameter: 17.00 mm (Centre)/23.70
mm (Outer + Inner); Thickness:
2.10 mm; Weight: 7.14 gms; Rim Height: 2.20 mm.
The four denominations have
Common Reverse Features (CRF) for all the four denominations (i.e. 500, 200, 100 and 50 Pesos) in
conjunction with the Central theme of the 1000 Pesos coin – i.e. WATER.
a) The Field i.e. the background of the
coins is flat and shiny.
b) The Rim is circular, flat and with
high definition.
c) There are wave-like lines in high relief
which form a circle.
d) The denomination of the coins is
mentioned in the centre in numerals, together with the name of the issuing country “REPUBLICA de COLOMBIA” and the year of issue, in this case
“2012”.
The Obverse of the 200 Pesos coin showing the macaw - Guacamaya bandera
On the Obverse of the 200 Pesos coin is depicted a macaw named “Guacamaya bandera” found from Mexico to Bolivia & Brazil.
On the Obverse of the 200 Pesos coin is depicted a macaw named “Guacamaya bandera” found from Mexico to Bolivia & Brazil.
The Guacamaya bandera (Macaw): This species of bird is scattered
from Mexico to Bolivia and Brazil, but due to hunting for their colourful
plumage and its imitation of human languages, its population has been
dramatically reduced, so much so that in certain regions of Central America,
there are no existing specimens in the wild.
On
this face of coin the following features are additionally incorporated:
a) Fine Horizontal lines are seen on the bottom left in high
relief, whose distance/gap is widening to the right.
b) The Field in the upper periphery is
flat and shiny.
c)
The Rim is circular, flat and
with high definition.
The Reverse of the 200 Pesos coin shows the denominational value "200"
The Reverse of the 200 Pesos coin shows the denominational value "200"
The
Reverse of the 200 Pesos coin exhibits the
features as enumerated elsewhere above.
The specifications of this monometallic silver-coloured coin
are:
Metallic
Composition/Alloys: (White) – Copper, Nickel, Zinc; Diameter: 22.40 mm; Thickness: 1.39 mm; Weight: 4.61 gms; Rim Height: 1.60 mm.
The Obverse of the 100 Pesos coin showing the Frailjon Flower
The Obverse of the 100 Pesos coin showing the Frailjon Flower
On the Obverse of the 100 Pesos coin is depicted a “Frailejon”.
Frailejon:
Species of this endemic flora are found in the climate of upland places in the
Andes and surrounding mountain areas in Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador. Its
main feature is the great height that it can reach in comparison to the common
vegetation in this type of weather, as well as, its slow rate of growth. It is
also an attraction/refuge for various species of insects which are vital to the
balance of the bio-diversity of the region.
On
this face of coin the following features are additionally incorporated:
a) Image of the plant: is located in the centre of the coin
made in volume and fine detail in its design, with reliefs and high definition.
The name of the plant species “FRAILEJON” is also engraved.
b) Fine Horizontal lines are seen on the bottom left in high
relief, whose distance/gap is widening to the right.
c) The Field in the upper periphery is
flat and shiny.
The Reverse of the 100 Pesos coin shows the denominational value "100".
The Reverse of the 100 Pesos coin exhibits the features as enumerated elsewhere above.
The Reverse of the 100 Pesos coin exhibits the features as enumerated elsewhere above.
The specifications of this plated steel gold-coloured coin are:
Metallic
Composition/Alloys: (Gold coloured) – Brass plated Steel
AISI 1006; Diameter: 20.30
mm; Thickness: 1.35 mm; Weight: 3.34 gms; Rim Height: 1.50 mm.
The Obverse of the 50 Pesos coin showing the Spectacled Bear
On the Obverse of the 50 Pesos coin is depicted a “Spectacled Bear”.
On the Obverse of the 50 Pesos coin is depicted a “Spectacled Bear”.
Spectacled
Bear: It is the only bear in South America, which is an
icon on National Wildlife. Its population is strongly threatened by invasion
and the destruction of its eco-system.
On
this face of coin the following features are additionally incorporated:
a) Image of a Spectacled Bear (or Andean Bear) named “Oso
de Anteojos” is engraved in the centre of the coin, made in volume
and fine detail in its design, with reliefs and high definition.
b) Fine Horizontal lines are seen on the bottom left in high
relief, whose distance/gap is widening to the right.
c) The Field in the upper periphery is
flat and shiny.
d)
The Rim is circular, flat and
with high definition.
The Reverse of the 50 Pesos coin shows the denominational value "50"
The
Reverse of the 50 Pesos coin exhibits the
features as enumerated elsewhere above.
The specifications of this plated steel silver-coloured coin
are:
Metallic
Composition/Alloys: (Silver coloured) – Nickel plated
Steel AISI 1006; Diameter:
17.00 mm; Thickness: 1.17 mm;
Weight: 2.00 gms; Rim Height: 1.30 mm.
Coat
of Arms (Emblem) of the Republic of Colombia:
The above is an image of the Coat of Arms of Colombia
The
Coat of Arms of Colombia
contains a shield with numerous symbols and is described as follows:
Armiger:
Republic of Colombia
Adopted on:
09.05.1834
Crest:
Andean Condor proper with wings inverted displayed, facing dexter with an olive
branch on bill, a ribbon in base.
(Perched
on top of the shield is an Andean condor holding an olive crown and the condor
symbolising freedom. The Condor is depicted as displayed i.e. with its wings
extended and looking to the left.
Motto:
“Libertad y Orden” (meaning “Liberty and Order”)
(The
National motto “Libertad y Orden” is on a scroll in between the Condor and the
shield in black font over a golden background.
Escutcheon:
Tierced per fess Azure (Blue), Argent and Azure (Silver & Blue), in centre
chief a Pomegranate between in sinister (on the left) chief a Cornucopia
overflowing with coins and in dexter (on the right) a Cornucopia overflowing
with fruits and vegetables proper, in centre point a Phrygian Cap Gules (Red)
held on a lance proper, in base the Isthmus of Panama Vert fesswise between two
ships Sable, sailed Argent.
(The
shield is broken into three portions. In the lowermost portion is a depiction
of ships, pointing to the maritime history of Colombia, viz., the Isthumus of
Panama, which was part of Colombia until 1903. Now the ships on the shield
represent the two oceans which border the country – the Atlantic & the
Pacific. The sails represent Colombia’s commerce with the rest of the world and
the country’s progressive economy.
In
the middle section, over a field of silver (argent), the Phrygian Cap is
depicted – which is the traditional symbol of liberty and freedom.
The
topmost section contains a pomegranate over a blue (azure) field, as a symbol
of the Viceroyalty of New Granada (the early colonial name of Colombia in the
18th Century), in the middle flanked by two Cornucopias or “horns of
plenty” – the one on the left with gold and silver coins, representing the
mineral wealth of Colombia, while the one on the right is filled with tropical
fruits, representing the agricultural produce/wealth of Colombia).
Supporters:
Flags of Colombia
(The
National Flag is draped on each side of the shield).
(Some of the coins represented
above are from the collection of Jayant Biswas. Post researched and written
& coins scanned & uploaded by Rajeev Prasad)
Links to some other interesting posts on South American countries & Mexico:
1) The Travels of a silver Mexican Peso struck in 1898 and restruck in 1949 for the Chinese Government
2) Brazilian Currency: Brazilian Real
3) The 31st Summer Olympics 2015 or Rio-2016 - Brazil
4) Currency and Coinage of Guatemala
5) Currency and Coinage of the Republic of Chile (Part I)
6) Currency and Coinage of the Republic of Chile (Part II)
7) Banknotes and Coinage of Colombia (Part I)
8) Banknotes and Coinage of Colombia (Part II)
9) Currency and Coinage of Mexico - Pesos and Centavos (Part I)
10) Currency and Coinage of Mexico - Pesos and Centavos (Part II)
11) Evita or Eva Peron - A Commemorative/Circulating 100 Pesos Banknote issued on her in 2012
12) Currency and Coinage of Peru: Nuevo Sol and Centavo (Part I)
13) Currency and Coinage of Peru: Nuevo Sol and Centavo (Part II)
14) 2014 FIFA World Cup held at Brazil
Links to some other interesting posts on South American countries & Mexico:
1) The Travels of a silver Mexican Peso struck in 1898 and restruck in 1949 for the Chinese Government
2) Brazilian Currency: Brazilian Real
3) The 31st Summer Olympics 2015 or Rio-2016 - Brazil
4) Currency and Coinage of Guatemala
5) Currency and Coinage of the Republic of Chile (Part I)
6) Currency and Coinage of the Republic of Chile (Part II)
7) Banknotes and Coinage of Colombia (Part I)
8) Banknotes and Coinage of Colombia (Part II)
9) Currency and Coinage of Mexico - Pesos and Centavos (Part I)
10) Currency and Coinage of Mexico - Pesos and Centavos (Part II)
11) Evita or Eva Peron - A Commemorative/Circulating 100 Pesos Banknote issued on her in 2012
12) Currency and Coinage of Peru: Nuevo Sol and Centavo (Part I)
13) Currency and Coinage of Peru: Nuevo Sol and Centavo (Part II)
14) 2014 FIFA World Cup held at Brazil
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