5 Centavos Pattern
1870 year| Silver (.900) | - | 15 mm |
| Issuer | Cuba |
|---|---|
| Type | Pattern |
| Year | 1870 |
| Value | 5 Centavos (0.05) |
| Currency | Pre-Republic (1870-1898) |
| Composition | Silver (.900) |
| Diameter | 15 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | 1870 |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#122001 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Face value at center with 5 pointed star below, wreath on sides, circular legend on top, mint house or engraver initials on sides, date on excergue.
Lettering:
MONEDA PROVISIONAL
5
CENT.
• P • C. T.
1870
Translation:
Provisional coin
5 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 5 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 one of the rarest coins in the world.
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 5 Centavos (Pattern) 1870 coin.
