¼ Peso


Silver (.903) (Copper .097)	6.3 g	24 mm

Description

Issuer	Costa Rica
Period	First Republic (1848-1948)
Type	Standard circulation coin
Years	1850-1855
Value	¼ Peso
Currency	Peso (1850-1864)
Composition	Silver (.903) (Copper .097)
Weight	6.3 g
Diameter	24 mm
Shape	Round
Technique	Milled
Orientation	Coin alignment ↑↓
Demonetized	Yes
Updated	2024-10-04

References

Numista	N#26374
Rarity index	83%

Reverse

Tree divides value. With legend at top. Fineness and assayer's initials at bottom.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
AMERICA CENTRAL 1/4 Po
10 Ds 20 Gc J.B.

Translation:
Central America
1/4 Peso
0.902777 Juan Barth

Engraver: Juan Barth

Comment

KM#101 - 103 coins were made in order to facilitate transition from the Real/Escudo system based in 8 to a decimal system that would later be the Decimalized Peso. With values equal to the common Real fractions (although a 1/4 Real equivalent was missing Costa Rica did never used any, so they didn't needed the Peso equivalent) as follows:

1/16 Peso = 1/2 Real
1/8 Peso = 1 Real
1/4 Peso = 2 Reales

From there decimal coins could be used for the remaining divisions.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the ¼ Peso coin from Costa Rica (1850-1855) is that it was made with a unique blend of metals, specifically Silver (.903) and Copper (.097). This combination of metals was used to create a distinctive alloy that was both durable and visually appealing, making the coin stand out from others of its time.