Guatemala 1938 5 centavos

from the Mountain Groan Collection

In 1925, the currency was reformed and the peso was dropped in favor of the quetzal (1 quetzal = US$1 = 60 pesos). The regime managed to maintain the parity with the dollar until the 1980's. This type was minted in large numbers 1928-34, 1937-38 and 1943 by the Royal Mint in London for Guatemala. A very similar type with slightly different lettering (KM 238.1) was issued 1925-49. 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: 300,000 (lowest mintage date).

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

Catalog reference: KM 238.2.

Source:

• 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.

Link to:

• 1937 5 centavos
• 1934 centavo
• Guatemala 1939 centavo
• 1944 5 centavos
• Coins and currency dated 1938
• return to coins of Guatemala