½ Real


Silver (.835) (Copper .165)	1.58 g	15 mm

Description

Issuer	Guatemala
Period	Republic (1841-date)
Type	Standard circulation coin
Years	1880-1892
Value	½ Real (1⁄16)
Currency	Peso (1859-1912)
Composition	Silver (.835) (Copper .165)
Weight	1.58 g
Diameter	15 mm
Thickness	1 mm
Shape	Round
Technique	Milled
Orientation	Coin alignment ↑↓
Demonetized	26 November 1924
Updated	2024-10-05

References

Numista	N#26170
Rarity index	45%

Reverse

Justice seated, supported by the Constitution, with legend around. And value at bottom

Script: Latin

Lettering:
REPUBLICA DE GUATEMALA
30 DE JUNIO DE 1871
MEDIO REAL

Translation:
Republic of Guatemala
30th June 1871
Half Real

Engraver: Johann-Baptist Frener

Edge

Milled

Comment

Varieties of Obverse exist.

KM#155.1 "E" between fineness and date letters.
KM#155.2 Star between fineness and date letters.
KM#155.3 Nothing between fineness and date.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the ½ Real 1880-1892 coin from Guatemala is that it was minted during a time of political instability in the country. The coin was introduced in 1880, just a year after the government of Guatemala had overthrown the regime of President Justo Rufino Barrios, who had been in power since 1873. The new government, led by President Manuel Lisandro Barillas, implemented a number of economic reforms, including the introduction of a new currency system, which included the ½ Real coin. Despite the political turmoil, the coin remained in circulation until 1892, when it was replaced by a new currency. This coin is a tangible reminder of the complex history of Guatemala during this time period.