Guatemala 1948 5 centavos

from the Mountain Groan Collection

This type was minted in large numbers 1925, 1944-49 by the Royal Mint in London for Guatemala. A very similar type with slightly different lettering (KM 238.2) was issued 1928-43. All dates are reasonably available tho nice specimens can take some searching. In 1950, the quetzal on the obverse was replaced by a ceiba or kapok tree, which design is still in use, tho no longer in silver.

Recorded mintage: 1,103,000.

Specification: 1.67 g, 0.720 fine silver, .038 oz ASW, reeded edge.

Catalog reference: KM 238.1.

Source:

• Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
• 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.

Link to:

• 1947 5 centavos
• 1948 centavo
• 1948 10 centavos
• 1948 ¼ quetzal
• 1949 5 centavos, quetzal reverse
• Coins and currency dated 1948