20 Centésimos de Real
| Copper | 21.5 g | 38 mm |
| Issuer | Uruguay |
|---|---|
| Period | Oriental Republic of Uruguay (1825-date) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1854-1855 |
| Value | 20 Centésimos (1⁄40) |
| Currency | Peso fuerte (1830-1862) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 21.5 g |
| Diameter | 38 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | 14 July 1902 |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#28474 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 77% |
Reverse
Face value in a circle, whreats on sides.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
CENTESIMOS
20
Translation: 20 Cents
Engraver: Agustín Rivero
Edge
Smooth
Liso
Comment
First Uruguayan coins were minted at Montevideo on 1840 to 1855. After that date no more coins were minted in the country.
Since the mintage was done in a nearly hand-crafted way, there are several variants on each year; they were catalogued by Marcos Silvera Antunez, but not described in main catalogues.
Year list shows the variants, identified with Silvera's number (SA) he uses 3 levels instead of 2, first is the coin number (different on each year), the second is the variant, and the third describes the alignment (1= coin; 2= medal; 3= 90º or 270º, and 4=rest of alignments).
Mintage is estimated, because there is not a record of the quantities issued, and only a small amount of the original contract were issued.
Variants:
1854 (SA# 9 / CG# 9)
On 1854 there are 2 variants, results of combinations of 1 obverse (A1) and 2 different reverses (R1, R2).
Obverse 1854
All coins have the same obverse
Reverses 1854
Differences:
right ends of ribbon point upwards (R1); downwards (R2)
small "20" (R1); bigger "20" (R2)
small tie (R1); bigger tie (R2)
1855 (SA# 11 / CG# 11)
On 1855 there are 2 variants, results of combinations of 2 different obverses (A1, A2) and 1 reverse (R1).
Obverses 1855
Differences:
bigger rays point to right leg of "N" on "ORIENTAL" and to "D" on "DEL" (R1); to space between "NT" on "ORIENTAL", and between "DE" on "DEL" (R2)
3 small rays close to first "U" on "URUGUAY" (R1); 4 small rays (R2)
Reverse 1855
All coins have the same reverse
Images courtesy of Marcos Silvera Antúnez
Interesting fact
The 20 Centésimos de Real coin from Uruguay, made of Copper and weighing 21.5g, is interesting because it was minted during a time of economic and political turmoil in the country. Despite the challenges, the coin's design and production were of high quality, featuring a detailed image of the national coat of arms on one side and the denomination on the other. This coin is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Uruguayan people during a difficult period in their history.
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1854 | 50000 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1855 | 30000 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for 20 Centésimos de Real 1854-1855 coin.
