Catalog
| Issuer | Cuba |
|---|---|
| Year | 2016-2020 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 5 Centavos |
| Currency | Cuban Peso (moneda nacional, 1914-date) |
| Composition | Aluminium (aluminium 97.15%, magnesium 2.5%, manganese 0.35%) |
| Weight | 1.5 g |
| Diameter | 21.21 mm |
| Thickness | 1.81 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Engraver(s) | Charles Edward Barber |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) |
| Obverse description | Cuban coat of arms, country name as curved legend on top, face value in letters as curved legend on bottom, line of denticles close to rim. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
REPUBLICA DE CUBA • CINCO CENTAVOS • (Translation: Republic of Cuba Five Centavos) |
| Reverse description | Face value in Roman numeral in circle over a five-pointed star, motto `Fatherland or Death` as curved legend on top, date on exergue, line of denticles close to rim. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
PATRIA O MUERTE V • 2017 • (Translation: Fatherland or Death V (5) 2017) |
| Edge | Smooth |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
2016 - `PATRIA O MUERTE` (see comments) - 2017 - `PATRIA O MUERTE` (see comments) - 2019 - `PATRIA O MUERTE` (see comments) - 2020 - `PATRIA O MUERTE` (see comments) - |
| Numisquare ID | 1722873610 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: Issued by Cuba between 2016 and 2020, this 5 Centavos coin circulated during a period of political transition, spanning the leadership of Raúl Castro and the initial years of Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez. The inscription, "Patria o Muerte" (Homeland or Death), is a foundational revolutionary slogan, underscoring the enduring ideological commitment of the Cuban state. Its aluminum composition reflects economic pragmatism, prioritizing durable and cost-effective coinage for daily transactions, symbolizing the continuity of revolutionary ideals in the modern era.
Artistry: While a specific engraver is not publicly documented for this circulating issue, the design adheres to a modern, utilitarian aesthetic common in contemporary Cuban numismatics, often influenced by socialist realist principles. The obverse typically features the national coat of arms, the Escudo de la Palma Real, depicting a palm tree, a key, and a Phrygian cap. The reverse prominently displays the denomination "5 CENTAVOS," the year of mintage, and the powerful national motto "PATRIA O MUERTE," rendered in clear, legible typography to reinforce national identity.
Technical/Grading: Struck in an aluminum alloy (97.15% Al, 2.5% Mg, 0.35% Mn), this lightweight coin (1.5g, 21.21mm) is prone to varying strike quality. High-points for grading include the central details of the palm tree and key on the obverse, and the sharpness of the lettering in "PATRIA O MUERTE" on the reverse. Due to the soft nature of aluminum and mass production demands, specimens often exhibit minor planchet imperfections or a slightly softer strike, particularly on finer design elements. Well-struck examples with full detail are highly desirable.