Bicentennial of the Birth of General J. J. de Urquiza

Justo José de Urquiza was born on October 18, 1801, in a ranch near Concepción del Uruguay (Entre Ríos); he spent his childhood and adolescence in the countryside, becoming acquainted with farming and cattle raising.

He lived in Concepción del Uruguay since 1819 to his death; he was a merchant and showed great interest in politics. He was the spokesman of federalism and filled all institutional positions: representative, commanding officer, governor of the province of Entre Ríos and the first constitutional president of the Argentine Confederation.

In the pursuit of organizing the nation, Urquiza accepted Juan Manuel de Rosas’ resignation on May 1, 1851, as leader in foreign affairs, and resumed the autonomy of his province. He enacted the National Constitution in 1853 and fought for the union of Argentinians by promoting welfare and progress.

The BCRA celebrates these historic events by issuing a coin for circulation, and another of brilliant uncirculated gold quality.

Part of the circulating coins (5,000) come in cardboard cases with a short bio along with a description of the issuance. The edge of cased coins is plain, whereas loose coins have a reeded edge.

1 peso

Obverse design

This side shows General Urquiza’s face; his year of birth, “1801,” appears on the left side while the year of commemoration, “2001,” appears on the right side. Both years are in horizontal position. The lower arch reads “Gral. JUSTO JOSE de URQUIZA” (General JUSTO JOSE de URQUIZA) while the upper arch contains the phrase “REPUBLICA ARGENTINA” (ARGENTINE REPUBLIC).

Reverse design

It shows an area of the San José ranch; the right side contains the face value, “1,” and the word, “PESO.” The coinage year, “2001,” appears on the upper part, opposite to the year of Urquiza’s military uprising, “1851.” The words “SAN JOSE” appear diagonally. The coin has a vertical die axis.

5 pesos

Obverse design

This side shows General Urquiza’s face; his year of birth, “1801,” appears on the left side while the year of commemoration, “2001,” appears on the right side. Both years are in horizontal position. The lower arch reads “Gral. JUSTO JOSE de URQUIZA” (General JUSTO JOSE de URQUIZA) while the upper arch contains the phrase “REPUBLICA ARGENTINA” (ARGENTINE REPUBLIC).

Reverse design

It shows an area of the San José ranch; the right side contains the face value, “5,” and the word, “PESOS,” appears below the number. The coinage year, “2001,” appears on the upper part, opposite to the year of Urquiza’s military uprising, “1851.” The words “SAN JOSE” appear diagonally. The coin has a vertical die axis.