Cuba 2005 20 centavos

from the Mountain Groan Collection; note die break at the top of the shield

This type was struck for Cuba starting in 1969. This is the non-convertible type. The regime, wishing to obtain foreign exchange (i.e., dollars), encouraged tourism and remittances from Cuban expatriates by establishing a convertible peso pegged to the dollar. These are known by locals and tourists as "CUC's" (pronounced "KOOKS"). The national currency (the ordinary peso) was allowed to sink but could still be used in the government subsidized stores for the purchase of staples.

Recorded mintage: unknown but common.

Specification: 2 g, aluminum, 24 mm diameter.

Catalog reference: KM 35.1 and 35.2.

Source:

• Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 2001-Date, 13th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2018.

Link to:

• 2003 25 centavos
• 2004 25 pesos, 2006 FIFA World Cup
• 2005 5 pesos, Alexandria Lighthouse
• 2005 5 pesos, Colossus of Rhodes
• 2005 5 pesos, Hanging Gardens of Babylon
• 2005 5 pesos, Temple of Artemis
• 2005 5 pesos, Statue of Jupiter
• 2005 5 pesos, Halicarnassus Mausoleum
• 2005 5 pesos, Cortés, Montezuma, and Aztec Pyramid
• 2006 5 centavos, convertible
• 2006 25 centavos, convertible
• 2008 20 centavos
• Coins and currency dated 2005
• return to coins of Cuba