Panama 1962 centesimo
This specimen was lot 72297 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, February 2023), where it sold for $1,320. The catalog description[1] noted, "PANAMA. Centesimo, 1962. NGC PROOF-63 Brown. This piece is most notable for the color emanating from its reflective proof surfaces. An overall champagne hue permeates the obverse, subtly transitioning to an icy blue at the top periphery. The reverse retains the blue theme, presenting a transparent blue overlaying the bronze metal. An outstanding presentation of this otherwise humble coin. While 50 originally minted, 25 used for sets, the numismatic community believes only a dozen or so are remaining. Ex: MJS Collection." This type was struck 1961-62, 1966-87 using the module of a United States cent. Most, in fact, were made at U. S. mints. This date was struck in London. This example in proof realized over six times the catalog value; the regular strikes are virtually worthless.
Recorded mintage: 2,000,000 plus c. 50 proofs.
Specification: 3.11 g, bronze, 19.05 mm diameter, plain edge.
Catalog reference: KM-22.
- Altz, Charles G., and E. H. Barton, Foreign Coins Struck at United States Mints, Racine, WI: Whitman Publishing, 1965.
- 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.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, February 2023 World Collectors Choice Online Auction, featuring the David Sterling Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2023.
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