Catalog
| Issuer | Uruguay |
|---|---|
| Year | 1844 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 40 Centésimos (1/20) |
| Currency | Peso fuerte (1830-1862) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 40.5 g |
| Diameter | 40 mm |
| Thickness | 3 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | Agustin Jouve |
| In circulation to | 14 July 1902 |
| Reference(s) | KM#3, SA#6, CG#6 |
| Obverse description | Radiant sun with face, country name around, date at bottom Sol radiante con cara, nombre del país alrededor, fecha en exergo |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
REPUBLICA ORIENTAL DEL URUGUAY 1844 (Translation: Oriental Republic of Uruguay 1844) |
| Reverse description | Value in a circle, surrounded with two wreaths. Valor facial en círculo, rodeado por ramas de olivo y laurel |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
CENTÉSIMOS 40 (Translation: 40 Cents.) |
| Edge | Smooth |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1844 - SA# 6.1.1; CG# 6.1.A - 40.8 g 39.4 mm coin alignment, A1-R1 - 65 000 1844 - SA# 6.1.2; CG# 6.1.B - 40.5 g 39.4 mm medal alignment, A1-R1 - 1844 - SA# 6.10.1; CG# 6.10.A 33 g 39 mm coin alignment, A7-R7 - 1844 - SA# 6.2.1; CG# 6.2.A - 40.8 g 39.5 mm coin alignment, A1-R2 - 1844 - SA# 6.2.2; CG# 6.2.B - 40.0 g 39.5 mm medal alignment, A1-R2 - 1844 - SA# 6.3.2; CG# 6.3.B - 39.8 g 40.0 mm medal alignment, A1-R3 - 1844 - SA# 6.4.1; CG# 6.4.A - 39.8 g 40.5 mm coin alignment, A2-R3 - 1844 - SA# 6.4.2; CG# 6.4,B - 36.0 g 39.5 mm medal alignment, A2-R3 - 1844 - SA# 6.5.2; CG# 6.5.B - 42.0 g 41.5 mm medal alignment, A3-R4 - 1844 - SA# 6.7.1; CG# 6.7.A - 32.8 g 38 mm coin alignment, A5-R5 - 1844 - SA# 6.8.1; CG# 6.8.A - 38 g 39 mm coin alignment, A5-R6 - 1844 - SA# 6.9.1; CG# 6.9.A - 38.8 g 39.5 mm coin alignment, A6-R6 - |
| Numisquare ID | 2878547020 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 1844 40 Centésimos de Real was issued by Uruguay during the tumultuous Guerra Grande (Great War, 1839-1851). This emergency coinage originated from the "Gobierno de la Defensa" in Montevideo, under prolonged siege by forces loyal to Manuel Oribe. This issue reflects the severe economic hardship and critical need for currency within the besieged capital, underscoring the scarcity of precious metals and the provisional nature of the government's authority.
Artistry: The engraver for this issue remains largely unrecorded, typical of emergency wartime coinage. Stylistically, the coin adheres to an early republican utilitarian aesthetic, prioritizing legibility and national symbolism. The obverse prominently features the "Sol de Mayo" (Sun of May), a radiant sunface emblematic of national independence and a recurring motif in Uruguayan numismatics. The reverse displays the denomination and date within a simple border, reflecting the practical constraints of its production.
Technical/Grading: As a large copper coin (40mm, 40.5g), the 40 Centésimos de Real often presents with characteristic strike inconsistencies. High-points for wear include the central facial features of the Sol de Mayo and ray tips on the obverse, plus the bold numerals and lettering on the reverse. Due to striking challenges, examples frequently exhibit weakness, particularly at centers and peripheries. Planchet quality varies, and copper's softness makes these coins prone to environmental damage, nicks, and surface corrosion.