1 Peso Pattern

Reverse

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

Script: Latin

Lettering:
PATRIA Y LIBERTAD
* 1898 *

Translation:
Fatherland and freedom
1898

Engraver: Philip Martiny

Edge

Reeded

Comment

This pattern is a trial for KM# A8.
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.

Interesting fact