Catalog
| Issuer | Uruguay |
|---|---|
| Year | 1840-1854 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 5 Centésimos (1⁄160) |
| Currency | Peso fuerte (1830-1862) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 6.8 g |
| Diameter | 24 mm |
| Thickness | 1.53 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | Agustin Jouve |
| In circulation to | 14 July 1902 |
| Reference(s) | KM#1, SA#1, SA#4, SA#8, CG#1, CG#4, CG#8 |
| Obverse description | Radiant sun with face, country name around, date at bottom. Sol radiante con cara, nombre del país alrededor, fecha en el exergo. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
REPUBLICA ORIENTAL DEL URUGUAY 1854 (Translation: Oriental Republic of Uruguay 1854) |
| Reverse description | Value in a circle, sorrounded with two wreaths. Valor facial en un círculo, con ramas de olivo y laurel a los lados. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | CENTESIMOS 5 |
| Edge | Smooth |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1840 - KM# 1; SA# 1.1.2; CG# 1.1.B - thick planchet 6.8 g, medal alignment, A1-R1 - 6 000 1840 - KM# 1; SA# 1.2.1; CG# 1.2.A - thin planchet 5.3 g coin alignment A2-R2 - 1840 - KM# 1; SA# 1.2.2; CG# 1.2.B - thin planchet 5.3 g medal alignment A2-R2 - 1840 - KM# 1; SA# 1.3.1; CG# 1.3.A - thin planchet 5.3 g coin alignment A2-R3 - 1844 - KM# 1; SA# 4.1.2; CG# 4.1.B - thin planchet 5.3 g medal alignment, A1-R1 - 6 000 1844 - KM# 1; SA# 4.2.2; CG# 4.2.B - thin planchet 5.7 g medal alignment, A2-R1 - 1844 - KM# 1; SA# 4.3.1; CG# 4.3.A - thin planchet 5.4 g coin alignment, A3-R2 - 1854 - KM# 1; SA# 8.1.1; CG# 8.1.A - thin planchet 5.2 g coin alignment A1-R1 - 120 000 1854 - KM# 1; SA# 8.2.1; CG# 8.2.A - thin planchet 5.2 g coin alignment A1-R2 - 1854 - KM# 1; SA# 8.3.1; CG# 8.3.A - thin planchet 5.2 g coin alignment A2-R2 - 1854 - KM# 1; SA# 8.3.3; CG# 8.3.C - thin planchet 5.2 g 90º alignment A2-R2 - |
| Numisquare ID | 5531489980 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 5 Centésimos de Real, issued by Uruguay between 1840 and 1854, emerged during the tumultuous Guerra Grande (Great War, 1839-1851). This protracted civil conflict, involving the Blanco and Colorado parties, saw Uruguay struggle for its national identity and sovereignty against internal strife and foreign intervention. The issuance of this copper coinage, Uruguay's first official national currency, represented a crucial assertion of statehood and an attempt to establish a stable monetary system amidst widespread political and economic instability.
Artistry: The design of this foundational Uruguayan coin, likely executed by local mint engravers, reflects the nascent republic's embrace of national symbols within a neoclassical framework. The obverse typically features the radiant Sun of May, a powerful emblem of independence and liberty. The reverse usually displays the denomination "5 CENTESIMOS" and "DE REAL" within a laurel wreath, signifying victory and peace, surrounded by the issuing country and date. The style is robust, emphasizing legibility over intricate detail.
Technical/Grading: Struck in copper with a weight of 6.8 grams and a diameter of 24 millimeters, these coins often exhibit considerable variability in strike quality. Common high-points for wear include the central features of the Sun of May, particularly its facial details and radiating rays, as well as the highest points of the laurel wreath and the lettering. Planchet imperfections, weak strikes, and die wear are frequently observed, particularly in the peripheral legends, making well-struck, problem-free examples quite desirable for collectors.