Costa Rican Coins

Reverse of 1974 Costa Rican 100 Colones

Countries

Obverse of 1974 Costa Rican 100 Colones

Brief Costa Rica Historical Notes
Although explored by the Spanish early in the 16th century, initial attempts at colonizing Costa Rica proved unsuccessful due to a combination of factors, including: disease from mosquito-infested swamps, brutal heat, resistance by natives, and pirate raids. It was not until 1563 that a permanent settlement of Cartago was established in the cooler, fertile central highlands. The area remained a colony for some two and a half centuries. In 1821, Costa Rica became one of several Central American provinces that jointly declared their independence from Spain. Two years later it joined the United Provinces of Central America, but this federation disintegrated in 1838, at which time Costa Rica proclaimed its sovereignty and independence. Since the late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have marred the country's democratic development. Although it still maintains a large agricultural sector, Costa Rica has expanded its economy to include strong technology and tourism industries. The standard of living is relatively high. Land ownership is widespread.

Costa Rican Coins
Costa Rica's first coins issued in its own name were earlier Central American Republic or Spanish coins, counterstamped in 1841 and 1842 as Costa Rican. It is also possible that coins of other countries were countermarked.
From 1842 to 1850, regular coinage was issued, in "real" (plural reales) and escudo denominations.
In 1845, 1846, 1849 to 1857, and 1889, there wee fuurther counterstamped issues. In 1865, a decimal coinages system was introduced, with 100 centavos = 1 peso. This system lasted until 1897 when there was a further coinage reform, with 100 centimos = 1 colon. This system is still in use today.

Coin Specifications

Denomination	Description	Diameter	Weight	Alloy	AMW
100 Colones	Silver Proof	42	35.0000	.925	1.0409
50 Colones	Silver Proof	38.61	28.2800	.925	.8410

Notes
Diameter = Diameter in millimetres.
Weight = Weight in grams.
AMW = Actual Metal Weight in troy ounces of pure gold or silver.

Prices & Availability

Date	Denomination	Description	Mintage	Grade	Stock	Price £	Price $
1974	100 Colones	Conservation (WWF + IUCNNR)* Silver Proof Manatee	11,000	about FDC	Yes	£25	$50
1974	50 Colones	Conservation (WWF + IUCNNR)* Silver Proof Green Turtles	11,000	about FDC	Yes	£20	$40

Notes
Mintage = Quantity issued, where known, otherwise issue limit.
* For gold coins, please see the Costa Rican Gold Coins page of our Tax Free Gold website.
* WWF + IUCNNR = World Wildlife Fund, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources

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Coins Wanted
We make an active market in almost all world coins, including Costa Rican coins. If you have any of these coins to sell, please contact us, or post them to us for appraisal and offer.