Catalogo
| Emittente | Panama |
|---|---|
| Anno | 1930-1962 |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valore | 1/2 Balboa |
| Valuta | Balboa (1904-date) |
| Composizione | Silver (.900) (Copper .100) |
| Peso | 12.5 g |
| Diametro | 30.6 mm |
| Spessore | 2.15 mm |
| Forma | Round |
| Tecnica | Milled |
| Orientamento | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Incisore/i | |
| In circolazione fino al | |
| Riferimento/i | KM#12 |
| Descrizione del dritto | The Panamanian coat of arms with 9 stars above representing the 9 provinces with the country name above, the silver content on sides, in a wreath with the date below |
|---|---|
| Scrittura del dritto | Latin |
| Legenda del dritto |
REPUBLICA DE PANAMA PRO MUNDI BENEFICIO LEY GR. 0.90 12.50 1934 (Translation: Republic of Panama For the Benefit of the World 0.900 Purity 12.5 Grams) |
| Descrizione del rovescio | The armoured bust with a helmet of Vasco Núñez de Balboa, a Spaniard, the first European who crossed the Isthmus and reached the Pacific by land, and the discoverer of the Perlas Archipelago (1513), facing left surrounded by value in letters and wreath, with the bust touching the rim below |
| Scrittura del rovescio | Latin |
| Legenda del rovescio |
MEDIO BALBOA (Translation: Half Balboa) |
| Bordo | Reeded |
| Zecca |
Royal Mint (Tower Hill), London,United Kingdom (1810-1975) United States Mint of Philadelphia, United States (1792-date) United States Mint of San Francisco, United States (1854-date) |
| Tiratura |
1930 - KM#12.1 (High relief); Philadelphia Mint - 300 000 1930 - KM#12.1 (High relief); Philadelphia Mint; Matte Proof - 20 1932 - KM#12.1 (High relief); Philadelphia Mint - 63 000 1933 - KM#12.1 (High relief); Philadelphia Mint - 120 000 1934 - KM#12.1 (High relief); San Francisco Mint - 90 000 1947 - KM#12.1 (High relief); Philadelphia Mint - 450 000 1962 - KM#12.2 (Low relief); Royal British Mint - 700 000 1962 - KM#12.2 (Low relief); Royal British Mint; Proof - 25 |
| ID Numisquare | 5756945990 |
| Informazioni aggiuntive |
Historical Context: Panama, a young republic with strong ties to the United States, particularly through the Panama Canal, issued the 1/2 Balboa from 1930 to 1962. This era was marked by significant national development and evolving political landscapes. The Balboa currency, pegged at par with the U.S. dollar, symbolized Panama's economic stability and sovereignty, even as its monetary system remained closely intertwined with American financial influence. The issuance of these silver coins underscored a period of national identity consolidation and economic growth for the nascent nation.
Artistry: The design of the 1/2 Balboa likely originated from engravers at the United States Mint, which produced many Panamanian coins during this period. The stylistic school leans towards neoclassical realism, characteristic of early 20th-century American numismatic art. The obverse prominently features a dignified, left-facing bust of Vasco Núñez de Balboa, the Spanish explorer credited with discovering the Pacific Ocean. The reverse showcases the intricate Panamanian coat of arms, replete with national symbols such as the Isthmus, rising sun, tools, and a cornucopia, representing the nation's geography, prosperity, and labor.
Technical/Grading: This substantial silver coin, weighing 12.5 grams and measuring 30.6 millimeters in diameter with a .900 silver composition, generally exhibits a robust strike. Key high-points for assessing wear and strike quality on the obverse include Balboa's hair, the tip of his nose, and the details of his armor collar. On the reverse, critical areas are the fine details within the coat of arms, specifically the eagle's head and feathers, the ships within the shield, and the small tools. Weakness may occasionally be observed on the highest relief elements due to striking pressure variations or typical die wear during extended production runs.