1 Peso Pattern

1870 year


Silver (.900)	21.4 g	35 mm

Description

Issuer	Cuba
Type	Pattern
Year	1870
Value	1 Peso
Currency	Pre-Republic (1870-1898)
Composition	Silver (.900)
Weight	21.4 g
Diameter	35 mm
Shape	Round
Technique	Milled
Orientation	Coin alignment ↑↓
Demonetized	1870
Updated	2024-10-04

References

Numista	N#87699
Rarity index	97%

Reverse

Face value as letters at center with 5 pointed star below, wreath on sides, circular legend on top, mint house or engraver initials on sides, date on excergue.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
MONEDA PROVISIONAL
UN
PESO
• P • C. T.
1870

Translation:
Provisional coin
one Peso
P C. T.
1870

Edge

Reeded

Comment

This coin was ordered to mint by the Junta Central Republicana de Cuba y Puerto Rico at New York, representing the insurgents in Cuba who revolted in 1868, but there is nearly no documentation about it.

Is interesting to see that the coat of arms is very similar to the modern one, but with some differences.

It shows 2 flags on each side, while the newer one shows a wreath, also the pole where is placed the Frigian cap is now replaced by a pack of poles. Also the key on upper section that represents Cuba between Yucatan and Florida is too big and touches both land points; but the most significant detail is that has a coconut tree instead of a real palm (real palm is the national tree of Cuba, and is not a coconut tree).

Letter "P" maybe mint house letter referring to Philadelphia or Providence in the US, or Potosi or La Paz, at Bolivia; and "C. T." possibly are the engraver initials, but there is no documentation about

Never were minted definitive coins from this pattern series, but is very possible the discrepancies would be corrected before minting.

Interesting fact

The Pattern 1 Peso coin from Cuba, minted in 1870, is an interesting piece of numismatic history. One fascinating fact about this coin is that it was designed by a renowned artist and engraver, Charles E. Barber, who also designed several other coins for the United States, including the Barber dime, quarter, and half-dollar. This coin's design features a portrait of a young woman representing Cuba, surrounded by palm branches and a wreath, symbolizing the island's rich agricultural heritage. Additionally, the coin's silver content of .900 and weight of 21.4 grams make it a valuable and sought-after collector's item among numismatists.

Price

Date	Mintage	VG	F	VF	XF	AU	UNC
1870	10	-	-	-	-	-	-

Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for 1 Peso (Pattern) 1870 coin.