½ Balboa


Copper-nickel clad copper (Cladding: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel; Core: 100% Copper)	11.34 g	30.61 mm

Description

Issuer	Panama
Period	Republic (1903-date)
Type	Standard circulation coin
Years	1973-1993
Value	½ Balboa ½ PAB = USD 0.50
Currency	Balboa (1904-date)
Composition	Copper-nickel clad copper (Cladding: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel; Core: 100% Copper)
Weight	11.34 g
Diameter	30.61 mm
Thickness	2 mm
Shape	Round
Technique	Milled
Orientation	Coin alignment ↑↓
Updated	2024-10-07

References

Numista	N#2621
Rarity index	9%

Reverse

Armoured bust with helmet of Vasco Núñez de Balboa facing left surrounded by value in letters and wreath. The bust touches the rim below.

Script: Latin

Lettering: · MEDIO · BALBOA ·

Translation: Half Balboa

Edge

Reeded

Comment

Balboa was a Spaniard, first European who crossed the Isthmus, reached the Pacific by land and discovered the Perlas Archipelago (1513). The 9 stars represent the 9 provinces of the country at that time (there are now 10).

Since its separation from Colombia in 1903, Panama has used the United States Dollar. These coins have the same specifications as the and circulated alongside it.

Interesting fact

The ½ Balboa coin from Panama, minted between 1973 and 1993, has an interesting feature. Despite being a circulation coin, it was made with a copper-nickel clad, which gives it a distinctive silver-like appearance. This is different from many other coins of similar denominations, which are often made of a copper-rich alloy that has a more reddish-brown color. The use of copper-nickel clad gives the ½ Balboa a unique look that sets it apart from other coins in circulation.