Argentina and Argentinian Coins

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Obverse of 1830 Argentinian 10 Decimos

Reverse of 1830 Argentinian 10 Decimos

20th Century
In the early part of the 20th Century, Argentina was rapidly becoming one of the most powerful countries in the world. By the 1920s, she had the 4th highest per capita GDP in the world. However, the Great Depression hit the Argentine economy badly. In 1946, the populist politician Juan Peron came to power. A proponent of nationalisation and syndicalism, Peron attracted the ire of private business interests and the military, and in 1955, a military coup drove him out of the country. However 18 years later he returned from his exile and with a 62% vote took up a third term and in office as president. This was however cut short due to his death.

Much of the politics of Argentina up until the 1970s was defined by conflicts between Peronists and the Right.

The 1973 Oil Crisis devastated Argentina’s economy, leading to a huge budget deficit and high inflation. In 1976, a military coup brought the Junta to power, lasting until 1983. The Military Junta conducted a brutal war against its opponents, real and perceived, leading to the deaths of 10,000s of Argentine citizens. In 1982, the Junta made a desperate gamble to restore its flagging popularity by invading the Falklands. Argentina’s defeat in this conflict led to the downfall of the Junta the following year and the return of democracy.

Argentinian Coins
The Argentinian Peso was originally formed in 1826 around the Spanish Dollar (or ‘Piece of 8’). Due to frequent economic crises, this original Peso has been dissolved and reformed many times throughout Argentina’s history.

The current Peso dates from 1992, and coins of 5, 10, 25, 50 Centavos and 1 Peso are issued. The 1 Centavo coin was withdrawn in 2001. Commemorative 2 and 5 Peso coins are also occasionally issued.

For Sale and Wanted
If you are interested in coins from Argentina please see our product index:-
Argentinian Coins

Gold Coins
We also have gold coins from Argentina on our taxfreegold website:-
Argentinian Gold Coins