Cuba 10 pesos coin
The Cuban 10 pesos coin has had an interesting evolution over the years, reflecting historical moments and changes in Cuba’s monetary policy. In this article, we will address three 10-peso coins that stand out for their historical relevance and unique characteristics: the 1915 and 1916 gold coin, the 1975 silver coin and the 1990 silver commemorative coin with the figure of Queen Isabel, all of them with a face value of 10 pesos.
Gold 10 pesos coin from 1915 and 1916
Historical Context
The 10 gold peso coin from 1915 and 1916 was issued during the First Republic of Cuba, a period marked by independence from Spain and the influence of the United States on the island. In 1914, the Economic Defense Law was enacted, which established the creation of a Cuban national currency to reduce dependence on the U.S. dollar. This law allowed the issuance of coins with the effigy of José Martí, a national hero and symbol of the struggle for independence.
Features
(the coin shown in the photo on the right is the 5 Cuban peso coin, but the description of its characteristics corresponds to the Cuba 10 pesos coin)
- Issuer: Republic of Cuba
- Year of issue: 1916
- Face value: 10 pesos
- Composition: Gold 900
- Weight: 16.7185 grams
- Diameter: 27 mm
- Shape: Circular
- Orientation: Coin alignment (↑↓)
- Edge: Legend with 6 stars, representing the 6 provinces of Cuba at that time.
The obverse of the coin features the Cuban coat of arms, with the legend “REPÚBLICA DE CUBA” (“Republic of Cuba”) at the top and the face value “DIEZ PESOS” (“TEN PESOS”) at the bottom. The reverse shows a portrait of José Martí, with the legend “PATRIA Y LIBERTAD” (“HOMELAND AND FREEDOM”) at the top, the date in the exergue and the weight and the law on the sides. As for the edge, the legend “*** CON TODOS Y PARA TODOS ***“) (“* * * WITH ALL AND FOR ALL * * * *”) and 6 stars, representing the 6 provinces of the country.
These coins were minted at the Philadelphia Mint, United States.
10 silver pesos coin from 1975
Historical Context
The 1975 10 silver peso coin was issued to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the National Bank of Cuba. This period was marked by the consolidation of the socialist regime in Cuba under the leadership of Fidel Castro. The issuance of this coin reflects the importance of the National Bank in the country’s monetary and financial policy during those years.
Features
- Issuer: Banco Nacional de Cuba
- Year of issue: 1975
- Face value: 10 pesos
- Composition: Silver 900
- Weight: 26.66 grams
- Diameter: 38 mm
- Shape: Circular
- Orientation: Coin alignment (↑↓)
- Edge: Reeded
The obverse of the coin features the coat of arms of the National Bank of Cuba, with the name of the country and the institution in a curved legend at the top and the face value at the bottom. The reverse shows the Banco Nacional de Cuba building, with a circular legend that includes the name of the institution at the top, the name of the event at the bottom, the dates on the right and the weight and purity on the sides. This coin was minted at the St. Petersburg Mint, Russia.
Commemorative 10 silver pesos coin from 1990 with Queen Isabel
Historical Context
The 1990 commemorative 10 silver pesos coin was issued to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus.
Features
- Issuer: Banco Nacional de Cuba
- Year of issue: 1990
- Face value: 10 pesos
- Composition: Silver 999
- Weight: 31.06 grams (1 ounce)
- Diameter: 38 mm
- Shape: Circular
- Orientation: Coin Alignment (↑↓)
- Edge: Reeded
The obverse of the coin features the coat of arms of the Republic of Cuba, with the legend “REPÚBLICA DE CUBA” (“REPUBLC OF CUBA”) at the top and the face value “10 PESOS” at the bottom. The reverse shows a representation of Queen Isabel, with the legend “V CENTENARIO” (“5th Centennial”) and the year 1492 and, above, 1990.
About the slabs…
As seen in the examples of Cuban coins, coin certification is a crucial process that guarantees the authenticity and condition of a coin or banknote. NCV Grading offers certification services that include the evaluation and grading of coins and banknotes.
Encapsulating coins is another important practice that helps preserve the integrity of the pieces.
Encapsulated coins are not only better protected, but are also more appealing to collectors and investors because of the guarantee of authenticity and preservation they offer.
