½ Balboa 1961 front ½ Balboa 1961 back
½ Balboa 1961 photo
Obverse © A. Monge da Silva (CC0)

½ Balboa

1961 year
Silver (.900) (Copper .100) 12.5 g 30 mm
Description
Issuer
Panama
Period
Republic (1903-date)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Year
1961
Value
½ Balboa ½ PAB = USD 0.50
Currency
Balboa (1904-date)
Composition
Silver (.900) (Copper .100)
Weight
12.5 g
Diameter
30 mm
Thickness
2.2 mm
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled
Orientation
Coin alignment ↑↓
Updated
2024-10-07
References
Numista
N#27118
Rarity index
33%

Reverse

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

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 in 1961, is interesting because it was made of a unique silver and copper alloy, with 90% silver and 10% copper. This composition was specifically chosen to reduce the cost of producing the coin, as silver was becoming increasingly expensive at the time. The coin's weight of 12.5 grams also makes it stand out, as it is slightly heavier than other coins of similar size and denomination.

Price

Date Mintage VG F VF XF AU UNC
1961  350000 - - - - - -

Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for ½ Balboa 1961 coin.