5 Pesos Giant Gar Fish

1981 year


Silver (.999)	12 g	30 mm

Description

Issuer	Cuba
Period	Second Republic (1959-date)
Type	Non-circulating coin
Year	1981
Value	5 Pesos (5&nbspCUP)
Currency	Cuban Peso (moneda nacional, 1914-date)
Composition	Silver (.999)
Weight	12 g
Diameter	30 mm
Shape	Round
Technique	Milled
Orientation	Coin alignment ↑↓
Demonetized	1981
Updated	2024-10-04

References

Numista	N#87389
Rarity index	85%

Reverse

Giant Gar Fish (Manjuari), date and mintmark above, circular legends: series on top, animal name on bottom.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
FAUNA CUBANA
1981
MANJUARI

Translation:
Cuban Fauna
1981
Manjuari

Edge

Reeded

Comment

Manjuarí or Cuban gar is a primitive fish, dated about 27000 centuries, that makes it a real living fossil.
Adults usually reach 1 m long, but can grow up to 2 m.
Has a long, cylindrical body, with long mandibles, reminding of reptile shape, so, also is called as alligator fish.
Lives in freshwater, on western Cuba and Isla de la Juventud.
Has well developed teeth, cylindrical, and sharp, very useful for their predatory habits, he feeds freshwater fishes and birds.
In spite the fish reminds the sturgeon, their eggs are venomous to human, but their flesh is edible.

source: https://www.ecured.cu/Manjuar%C3%AD

Templates for the dies used were produced at Spain

Interesting fact

The 5 Pesos (Giant Gar Fish) coin from Cuba, made of Silver (.999) and weighing 12g, is a non-circulating coin that was minted in 1981. One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a unique design, showcasing a giant gar fish on the obverse side, which is not commonly seen on coins. The gar fish is a species of fish that can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh over 300 pounds, making it a notable and impressive creature. The coin's design not only highlights the fish's size but also its importance in Cuban culture and cuisine. This coin is a great example of how numismatics can showcase a country's history, culture, and natural heritage.

Price

Date	Mintage	VG	F	VF	XF	AU	UNC
1981	5000	-	-	-	-	-	-

Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for 5 Pesos (Giant Gar Fish) 1981 coin.