1 Peso

1898 year


Silver (.900)	22.55 g	36 mm

Description

Issuer	Cuba
Type	Standard circulation coin
Year	1898
Value	1 Peso
Currency	Pre-Republic (1870-1898)
Composition	Silver (.900)
Weight	22.55 g
Diameter	36 mm
Shape	Round
Technique	Milled
Orientation	Coin alignment ↑↓
Demonetized	1898
Updated	2024-10-04

References

Numista	N#34181
Rarity index	88%

Reverse

Female head right, representing the Republic,
motto on curved legend above, date on excergue

Script: Latin

Lettering:
PATRIA Y LIBERAD
* 1898 *

Translation:
Fatherland and freedom
1898

Engraver: Philip Martiny

Edge

Reeded

Comment

Reverse image represents the Republic, and is based on a portrait of Leonor Molina Adán, cousin of José Zayas, Treasury Delegate of the Revolutionary Movement, and also active member of the group.
Known as "Peso Souvenir", the 3 types from 1897 (and their respective patterns), were part of the coins minted to collect funds for the Movement, as well as the 1 Peso minted on 1898.
On 1897 the "1 Peso" denomination was replaced by the word "Souvenir", as US Government would have refused to mint a currency of a country fighting against other with which had diplomatic relations. On 1898, the relation have changed after the vessel "Maine", from US exploded at La Habana port, US government attributed to Spain, and they started war on Apr. 1898; therefore the version of 1898 showed "1 Peso", as there was no reason to use Souvenir instead.
Same as Souvenirs type II & III, these coins were minted by Gorham Manufacturing Company (Providence, Rhode Island)

Interesting fact

The 1898 Cuban 1 Peso coin made of silver (.900) weighing 22.55g is interesting because it was minted during a time of great change and turmoil in Cuba. The coin was issued during the Spanish colonial period, just a few years before the outbreak of the Cuban War of Independence against Spain. The coin's design features the Spanish monarch, Queen Isabella II, on one side and the Cuban coat of arms on the other. Despite the turmoil of the time, the coin remains a valuable collector's item and a piece of Cuban history.