10 Pesos Manatee and Zapata Rail

Emisor Cuba
Año 2009
Tipo Non-circulating coin
Valor 10 Pesos (10 CUP)
Moneda Cuban Peso (moneda nacional, 1914-date)
Composición Silver (.999)
Peso 20 g
Diámetro 38 mm
Grosor
Forma Round
Técnica Milled
Orientación Coin alignment ↑↓
Grabador(es) Charles Edward Barber
En circulación hasta 2009
Referencia(s) KM#912
Descripción del anverso Cuban coat of arms, circular legends: country name on top, face value on bottom, weight and finess on sides. (Design is the same as KM# 910, see link below)
Escritura del anverso
Leyenda del anverso REPUBLICA DE CUBA 20 G 10 PESOS AG 0.999
Descripción del reverso Manatí (manatee) on top, Gallinuela de Santo Tomas (Zapata Rail) below, curved legend between, animals`names on top and bottom, date on right. (Design is the same as KM# 910, see link below)
Escritura del reverso
Leyenda del reverso Manatí FAUNA EN PELIGRO DE EXTINCIÓN 2009 Gallinuela de Santo Tomás
(Translation: Manatee Endangered Fauna 2009 Zapata Rail)
Canto Reeded
Casa de moneda
Tirada 2009 - Proof -
ID de Numisquare 1155367050
Información adicional

Historical Context: Cuba in 2009, under Raúl Castro's presidency, continued a period of measured adjustments following Fidel Castro's formal resignation. This 10 Pesos coin, featuring the Manatee and Zapata Rail, exemplifies Cuba's dedication to environmental themes in its numismatic programs. Issued as non-circulating legal tender, it belongs to a series dedicated to endangered Cuban fauna, reflecting global conservation awareness and serving as cultural outreach and collector revenue, highlighting the island's unique biodiversity.

Artistry: While specific engraver details are often unrecorded for these issues, the design adheres to a modern, naturalistic school of artistry. The reverse masterfully depicts both the endangered West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus) and the critically rare Zapata Rail (Cyanolimnas cerverai). The composition likely places these species within their respective natural habitats, emphasizing their vulnerability. The artistic intent is to render these creatures with anatomical accuracy and a sense of their environment, promoting their recognition and the urgency of their preservation.

Technical/Grading: Struck in .999 fine silver, weighing 20 grams with a 38 mm diameter (KM#912), this coin exhibits the technical precision typical of modern commemorative issues. High-points for grading would include the detailed rendering of the Manatee’s snout and flippers, and the Zapata Rail’s head, beak, and feather texture. Collectors should seek examples with a full, sharp strike, free from planchet imperfections or contact marks, to appreciate the intricate relief and expected brilliant uncirculated or proof-like luster inherent to its production.

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