| Obverse description |
Central field features the national coat of arms of Panama, depicting a quartered shield surmounted by an eagle with outstretched wings; the shield incorporates a cornucopia, a winged wheel, crossed swords and rifle, and a ship at sea, with the national motto PRO MUNDI BENEFICIO inscribed on a banner across the arms. Nine stars flank the shield on either side. The denomination 1 BALBOA appears in bold lettering along the lower rim, with the fineness LEY 0.925 and Franklin Mint mark inscribed below the shield. The upper legend reads REPUBLICA DE PANAMA, with 75° ANIVERSARIO arcing below it, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Republic, all separated by a row of nine stars. |
| Reverse description |
Central field features a bold, high-relief bust of Vasco Núñez de Balboa, the Spanish conquistador and explorer, rendered facing slightly left and occupying most of the flan. He is depicted wearing an ornately engraved morion helmet decorated with scrollwork and figural motifs, with a bearded face and a ruffled collar visible at the truncation. The surrounding legend VASCO NUÑEZ DE BALBOA arcs along the upper periphery in bold raised letters, while the date 1978 is inscribed in the lower field beneath the bust. The mirror-like proof fields contrast sharply with the frosted relief of the portrait, imparting a cameo effect characteristic of Franklin Mint production. |
