Guatemala 1971 5 centavos

from the Acanthite collection

from the Acanthite collection

The specimen shown is from a type struck for Guatemala 1971-77. This coin is common in all grades thru uncirculated. Earlier silver five centavos were issued 1928-64 and the ceiba tree first appeared in 1949. Guatemala still issues five centavo pieces with the ceiba tree reverse (see KM 256, 266, 276) but the alloy was changed to copper-nickel in 1965, same as the United States. Paradoxically, this coin has such a low catalog value that it is difficult to find. Dealers do not find it worthwhile to stock such items.

Recorded mintage: 8,270,000.

Specification: 1.6 g, copper-nickel, 16 mm diameter.

Catalog reference: KM 270.

Source:

• Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
• Stickney, Brian, A Monetary History of Central America, New York: American Numismatic Society, 2017.

Link to:

• 1969 centavo
• 1970 5 centavos
• 1971 25 centavos
• 1972 centavo
• 1974 5 centavos
• Coins and currency dated 1971
• return to coins of Guatemala