Guatemala 1925 1/2 quetzal
The quetzal was introduced as a currency reform in 1925 to replace the peso. This type was struck 1925 only, along with a quetzal (KM 242), ¼ quetzal (KM 240), 10 centavos (KM 239), 5 centavos (KM 238) and 1 centavo (KM 237). The quetzal and half quetzal were replaced by banknotes; the others were struck at their weight standards until 1964. The curious .720 silver alloy seems to have been inspired by the contemporary Mexican silver peso (KM 455, struck 1920-45). At 16.66 g, 0.720 fine, it matches the half quetzal exactly. The second specimen was lot 3927 in Stack's-Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2015), where it sold for $293.75. The catalog description[1] noted, "GUATEMALA. 1/2 Quetzal, 1925. NGC MS-64. With "NOBLES" below scroll. Attractive yellow-gold toning."
Recorded mintage: 400,000.
Specification: 16.66 g, 0.720 fine silver, .385 troy oz ASW.
Catalog reference: KM-241.2.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Raymond, Wayte, The Coins of Central America, Silver and Copper, 1824-1940, New York: Wayte Raymond Inc., 1941.
- Robinson, Charles, The Coins of Central America, 1733-1965, San Benito, TX: 1965.
- Stickney, Brian, A Monetary History of Central America, New York: American Numismatic Society, 2017.
- [1]Ponterio, Richard, The January 2015 NYINC Auction: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, Featuring the John W. Adams and Ray Czabor Collections, Irvine, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2014.
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