Nicaragua Silver Coins
Nicaragua has a rich history of silver coinage, with several coins minted during the 19th and 20th centuries. These coins were primarily circulated within the country and are now sought after by collectors for their historical significance, silver content, and unique designs.
19th Century Silver Coins
1/4 Real (1862-1870)
- Silver Purity: 90% Silver
- Obverse: Features the national coat of arms, with a volcano and a radiant sun.
- Reverse: Displays the denomination and date within a wreath.
- Numismatic Value Estimate: $10-$100 depending on condition (Good to Uncirculated).
1/2 Real (1862-1870)
- Silver Purity: 90% Silver
- Obverse: National coat of arms with the radiant sun and volcano motif.
- Reverse: Denomination and date within a laurel wreath.
- Numismatic Value Estimate: $20-$150 depending on condition (Good to Uncirculated).
1 Real (1862-1870)
- Silver Purity: 90% Silver
- Obverse: National coat of arms.
- Reverse: Denomination and date encircled by a wreath.
- Numismatic Value Estimate: $25-$200 depending on condition (Good to Uncirculated).
4 Reales (1862-1870)
- Silver Purity: 90% Silver
- Obverse: Volcano and sun from the national coat of arms.
- Reverse: Denomination, date, and wreath.
- Numismatic Value Estimate: $50-$250 depending on condition (Good to Uncirculated).
8 Reales (1862-1870)
- Silver Purity: 90% Silver
- Obverse: The national coat of arms with the radiant sun and volcano.
- Reverse: Denomination, date, and wreath design.
- Numismatic Value Estimate: $80-$500 depending on condition (Good to Uncirculated).
20th Century Silver Coins
1 Cordoba (1912-1962)
- Silver Purity: 90% Silver (1912-1939), reduced to 50% Silver in 1943-1962
- Obverse: The coat of arms of Nicaragua with the volcano and sun design.
- Reverse: Denomination, wreath, and year of issue.
- Numismatic Value Estimate: $10-$100 depending on condition and year (Good to Uncirculated).
1/2 Cordoba (1912-1962)
- Silver Purity: 90% Silver (1912-1939), reduced to 50% Silver in 1943-1962
- Obverse: National coat of arms.
- Reverse: Displays the denomination, date, and wreath design.
- Numismatic Value Estimate: $5-$50 depending on condition.
5 Centavos (1912-1962)
- Silver Purity: 72% Silver
- Obverse: Features the coat of arms of Nicaragua with the sun and volcano.
- Reverse: Denomination, date, and wreath design.
- Numismatic Value Estimate: $2-$20 depending on condition.
10 Centavos (1912-1962)
- Silver Purity: 90% Silver (1912-1939), reduced to 50% Silver (1943-1962)
- Obverse: National coat of arms of Nicaragua.
- Reverse: Denomination, year, and wreath.
- Numismatic Value Estimate: $5-$50 depending on condition.
25 Centavos (1912-1962)
- Silver Purity: 90% Silver (1912-1939), reduced to 50% Silver (1943-1962)
- Obverse: Features the national coat of arms with a radiant sun and volcano.
- Reverse: Displays denomination, wreath, and year of issue.
- Numismatic Value Estimate: $8-$70 depending on condition.
50 Centavos (1912-1962)
- Silver Purity: 90% Silver (1912-1939), reduced to 50% Silver (1943-1962)
- Obverse: National coat of arms with volcano and radiant sun.
- Reverse: Denomination, year, and wreath.
- Numismatic Value Estimate: $15-$100 depending on condition.
Points of Interest
Nicaraguan coins from the 19th century often featured intricate designs of the national coat of arms, symbolizing the country’s natural beauty, with the sun and volcano representing a bright future and strength.
Due to fluctuating silver prices, Nicaragua reduced the silver purity of its coins in the mid-20th century. Nicaraguan coins minted before 1943 have higher silver content and are therefore more desirable for bullion investors and collectors interested in the intrinsic value of silver.
The 1912 1 Cordoba coin has a higher numismatic value due to its limited production.
