290) Banknotes and Coinage of Colombia (Part 1): The Evolution of Coinage in Colombia:

290) 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 16^th 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 20^th 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 20^th 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 4^th to 7^th Century CE known as the Quimbaya Classic. 

          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"

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 Guacari tree is the sacred tree of Guacari & is said to be the largest tree in Colombia. 

 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”.

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

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"

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

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 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. 

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 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

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.

d) The Rim is circular, flat and with high definition.   

 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 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”.

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 18^th 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