Catalog
| Issuer | Panama |
|---|---|
| Year | 1996-2019 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Centesimo (1 centésimo) |
| Currency | Balboa (1904-date) |
| Composition | Copper plated zinc (97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper) |
| Weight | 2.5 g |
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Thickness | 1.6 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#125, Schön#107 |
| Obverse description | Written denomination with country name above |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
REPÚBLICA DE PANAMÁ UN CENTÉSIMO DE BALBOA (Translation: Republic of Panama One Centésimo Of a Balboa) |
| Reverse description | Head of chief Urraca, an Indian chief from the Province of Veraguas, who fought the Spaniards in Panamá between 1520 and 1531, facing left with the date below |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | URRACÁ 2017 |
| Edge | Smooth |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1996 - Type I - 180 000 000 2001 - Type I - 160 000 000 2008 - Type I - 2017 - Type II - 2018 - Type II - 2019 - Type II - |
| Numisquare ID | 1001136840 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The Panamanian 1 Centésimo, issued from 1996 to 2019, represents a continuous period of economic stability and close monetary alignment with the United States. As a republic, Panama does not feature a monarch; instead, its coinage reflects national sovereignty and economic policy. This denomination is a direct counterpart to the US cent in terms of specifications, underscoring the Panamanian Balboa's parity with the US Dollar. During this era, Panama maintained its crucial role as a regional financial and trade hub, with the 1 Centésimo serving as the smallest, yet essential, unit for daily commerce within its bimetallic currency system.
Artistry: The design of the 1 Centésimo follows a utilitarian, modern stylistic school, prioritizing clear national symbolism over elaborate artistic flourishes. A specific engraver is not commonly attributed for this mass-produced denomination, likely stemming from a mint design team. The obverse prominently features the Coat of Arms of Panama, a complex emblem rich with symbolic elements such as the sun, moon, tools representing labor, and the cornucopia of abundance, all framed by "REPUBLICA DE PANAMA" and the year. The reverse displays the denomination "1 CENTESIMO" and "BALBOA," honoring the explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa, against a plain field.
Technical/Grading: Struck from copper-plated zinc (97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper), with a weight of 2.5 grams and a diameter of 19.05 millimeters, this coin shares identical specifications with its contemporary US cent. Key high-points for strike assessment on the obverse include the eagle's head and the upper elements of the Coat of Arms. On the reverse, the numerals and lettering are typically flat, making the sharpness of the rim and field clarity important. Due to its zinc core, these coins are susceptible to plating issues, such as blistering and peeling, and are prone to corrosion and environmental damage, which significantly impact their long-term preservation and grading potential. Sharpness of strike can also vary, with zinc planchets sometimes yielding less detailed impressions.