Venezuela 1915 5 centimos
Venezuela fully adopted a decimal coinage system in 1871, with 100 centavos = 1 venezuelano. By 1879, denominations were renamed centimos and bolivares, such that 100 centimos = 1 bolivar. A crown was equivalent to 5 bolivares. The official title of the country from 1864 was 'Estados Unidos de Venezuela', a name it would carry until 1953, when the constitution mandated a return to the name 'Republica de Venezuela'.
This specimen was lot 4043 in Sincona sale 18 (Zürich, May 2014), where it sold for CHF 660 (about US$870 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"5 Centimos 1915. Fast FDC. (Venezuela, five centimos of 1915, choice uncirculated.)"
This five centimos was minted in Philadelphia 1915, 1921-29 and 1936-38. Despite the substantial mintage, this date is scarce. The obverse features the coat of arms, with the denomination enclosed by a wreath on the reverse.
Recorded mintage: 2,000,000.
Specifications: copper-nickel, this specimen 2.53 g.
Catalog reference: KM Y27.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Numismatic Coins, Medals, & Banknotes: Auction 18, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2014.
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