© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
Souvenir Peso Date widely spaced; Bronze pattern
1897 year| Bronze | - | - |
| Issuer | Cuba |
|---|---|
| Type | Pattern |
| Year | 1897 |
| Value | 1 Peso |
| Currency | Pre-Republic (1870-1898) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | 8 July 1897 |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#63358 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Female head right divides date, representing the Republic,
motto on circular legend above, "SOUVENIR" on excergue
Script: Latin
Lettering:
* PATRIA Y LIBERTAD *
18 97
PAT. 97.
SOUVENIR
Translation:
Fatherland and freedom
1897
Patent 97
Souvenir
Edge
Reeded
Comment
This pattern is a trial for X# M1.Reverse image represents the Republic, and is based on a portrait of Leonor Molina Adán, cousin of José Zayas, Treasury Delegate of the Revolutionary Movement, and also active member of the group.
Known as "Peso Souvenir", the 3 types from 1897 (and their respective patterns), were part of the coins minted to contribute to funds of the Movement, as well as the 1 Peso minted on 1898.
On 1897 the "1 Peso" denomination was replaced by the word "Souvenir", as US Government would have refused to mint a currency of a country fighting against other with which had diplomatic relations. On 1898, the relation have changed after the vessel "Maine", from US exploded at Havana port, US government attributed to Spain, and they started war on Apr. 1898; therefore the version of 1898 showed "1 Peso", as there was no reason to use Souvenir instead.
Interesting fact
The Pattern Souvenir Peso (Date widely spaced; Bronze pattern) 1897 from Cuba made of Bronze is a rare and unique coin that was minted as a sample piece for the Cuban government in 1897. It was never officially released into circulation, making it a highly sought-after collector's item among numismatists.
