20 Centavos (Pattern) 1870 front 20 Centavos (Pattern) 1870 back
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20 Centavos Pattern

1870 year
Silver (.900) - 24 mm
Description
Issuer
Cuba
Type
Pattern
Year
1870
Value
20 Centavos (0.20)
Currency
Pre-Republic (1870-1898)
Composition
Silver (.900)
Diameter
24 mm
Shape
Round
Orientation
Coin alignment ↑↓
Demonetized
1870
Updated
2024-10-04
References
Numista
N#121997
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

MONEDA PROVISIONAL
20
CENTS.
• P • C. T.
1870

Lettering:
Provisional coin
20 Cents.
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 20 Centavos coin from Cuba, made of Silver (.900) in 1870, is considered a rare and valuable collector's item. It is believed that only 20 of these coins were minted, making it a highly sought-after piece 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 20 Centavos (Pattern) 1870 coin.