½ Decimo 1853-1858 front ½ Decimo 1853-1858 back
½ Decimo 1853-1858 photo
© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.

½ Decimo

 
Silver (.900) 1.5 g -
Description
Issuer
Colombia
Period
Republic of New Granada (1831-1858)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1853-1858
Value
½ Decimo (0.05&nbspCOP)
Currency
Peso decimalized (1847-date)
Composition
Silver (.900)
Weight
1.5 g
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-04
References
Numista
N#48149
Rarity index
83%

Reverse

Mint on top, denomination within wreath in the centre, caduceus at each side of the denomination and fineness at the bottom.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
BOGOTA
MEDIO
DÉCIMO
LEI 0,900

Interesting fact

The ½ Decimo coin from Colombia, minted between 1853 and 1858, has an interesting feature. Despite being made of silver (.900), it was designed with a unique shape, known as a "octagonal-shaped coin." This shape was chosen to differentiate it from other coins in circulation at the time and to prevent counterfeiting. The octagonal shape also made it easier for people to tell the coin apart from other coins by touch, which was important given the widespread illiteracy rate among the population at the time. This coin's unique shape and silver content make it a valuable collector's item today.