100th Anniversary of Jorge Luis Borges’ Birth
Jorge Luis Borges, distinguished Argentine poet and writer, was born in Buenos Aires on August 24, 1899. His sublime literary quality made him a candidate to the Nobel Prize in Literature and awardee of many international prizes. The constant publication of his works and his distinct personality witness his eternal fame.
The BCRA commemorates the centennial of his birth by issuing coins in three types of qualities: gold and silver in proof quality, and cupronickel for circulation.
Proof quality coins are presented in dual velvetex cases—one in gold, and another in silver—and in individual cases. They are all accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
In addition, circulating coins are presented in cardboard cases with a short bio of the writer along with a description of the coin. A series of 5,000 cases were made and numbered from 1 to 5,000.
1 peso
Obverse design
The center shows the left profile of Jorge Luis Borges. The legend “REPUBLICA ARGENTINA” (ARGENTINE REPUBLIC) is arranged to form the upper arch and the inscription “1899 JORGE LUIS BORGES 1999” shapes the lower arch, between pearls.
Reverse design
The center shows a labyrinth with a sundial in its center. Above the main image, the face value“1 PESO” is shown and the exergue contains the year of coinage, “1999.”
| FACE VALUE | $1 (one peso) |
| QUALITY | Proof |
| METAL | 900 silver |
| WEIGHT | 25 g |
| DIAMETER | 37 mm |
| PRESENTATION | Velvetex case |
| NUMBER OF COINS MINTED | 5,000 units |
| MINT | Monnaie de Paris |
| DATE OF ISSUE | 08/24/1999 |
2 pesos
Obverse design
The center shows the left profile of Jorge Luis Borges. The legend “REPUBLICA ARGENTINA” (ARGENTINE REPUBLIC) is arranged to form the upper arch and the inscription “1899 JORGE LUIS BORGES 1999” shapes the lower arch, between pearls.
Reverse design
The center shows a labyrinth with a sundial in its center. Above the main image, the face value “2 PESOS” is shown and the exergue contains the year of coinage, “1999.”
| FACE VALUE | $2 (two pesos) |
| QUALITY | Circulation |
| METAL | Cu 75 / Ni 25 |
| WEIGHT | 10.4 g |
| DIAMETER | 30 mm |
| PRESENTATION | 995,000 units for exchange and 5,000 units in cardboard cases |
| NUMBER OF COINS MINTED | 1,000,000 units |
| MINT | Monnaie de Paris |
| DATE OF ISSUE | 08/24/1999 |
5 pesos
Obverse design
The center shows the left profile of Jorge Luis Borges. The legend “REPUBLICA ARGENTINA” (ARGENTINE REPUBLIC) is arranged to form the upper arch and the inscription “1899 JORGE LUIS BORGES 1999” shapes the lower arch, between pearls.
Reverse design
The center shows a labyrinth with a sundial in its center. Above the main image, the face value “5 PESOS” is shown and the exergue contains the year of coinage, “1999.”
| FACE VALUE | $5 (five pesos) |
| QUALITY | Proof |
| METAL | Gold (Au 900 / Cu 100) |
| WEIGHT | 8.064 g |
| DIAMETER | 22 mm |
| PRESENTATION | Velvetex case |
| NUMBER OF COINS MINTED | 2,000 units |
| MINT | Monnaie de Paris |
| DATE OF ISSUE | 08/24/1999 |