© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
Souvenir Peso Type II; Date closely spaced
1897 year| Silver (.900) | 22.5 g | 36 mm |
| Issuer | Cuba |
|---|---|
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
| Year | 1897 |
| Value | 1 Peso |
| Currency | Pre-Republic (1870-1898) |
| Composition | Silver (.900) |
| Weight | 22.5 g |
| Diameter | 36 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | 20 August 1897 |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#70511 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 79% |
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
SOUVENIR
Translation:
Fatherland and Freedom
1897
Souvenir
Engraver: Philip Martiny
Edge
Reeded
Comment
"Peso Souvenir" type IIReverse 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.
This type was minted at Gorham Manufacturing Company (Providence, Rhode Island), on Aug. 3rd, 1897.
Type II has date closely spaced, and star to right of date is below date base line.
Interesting fact
The Souvenir Peso (Type II; Date closely spaced) 1897 from Cuba is an interesting coin because it was minted during a time of great change and upheaval in Cuba's history. The coin was issued in 1897, just a year before the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, which would ultimately lead to Cuba's independence from Spain. Additionally, the coin was minted during a period of economic and political instability in Cuba, making it a unique and valuable collector's item for numismatists and historians alike.
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1897 | 4286 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for Souvenir Peso (Type II; Date closely spaced) 1897 coin.
