Bolivia 50 Centavos 1987-present

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Quick Coinage Facts

Years Minted: 1987-Present
Composition: Stainless Steel
Diameter: 24 mm
Weight: 5.08 grams
Total Mintage: still in production

Design

The obverse design is emblazoned with the coat of arms of Bolivia. The coat of arms has a central crest that consists of an oval shield depicting a landscape with a stylized illustration of Mount Potosi with a sun rising above and, in the foreground, a South American alpaca, a breadfruit tree, and a wheat sheaf, with a house in the middle distance . The mountain and it's contrast with the plains is indicative of the geography of Bolivia. The llama is the national animal, and the items next to it are symbolic of the resources of the nation.

Around and behind the oval shield there are two crossed cannon barrels, six Bolivian flags, a Phrygian cap of liberty, and an Inca battle-axe; perched on the oval shield is an Andean condor. Underneath the oval shield are 10 stars that symbolize the 9 states (often referred to as departments) of Bolivia as well as the department of Litoral lost in the Pacific War of 1879 to neighboring Chile which Bolivia still has petitions for the land to be returned.

On the outer periphery are the words “REPUBLICA DE BOLIVIANA” as well as a single star.

The reverse is a simple design that features the denomination “50 CENTAVOS” within a circle. On the outer periphery are the words “LA UNION ES LA FUERZA” (the union is strength) and the year of issue.

Obverse Reverse
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General Market Notes

There are no rarities in the series. Even high grade examples should be easily accessible and affordable.

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