Ibero-American Coin Series

500th Anniversary of the Discovery of America

Coin commemorating the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America, as part of a joint endeavor of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Spain, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Portugal, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Obverse design

The center shows the pillars of Hercules, which read “PLVS VLTRA.” The pillars rest on the “OCEAN SEA”—the link between the two worlds. Above the pillars, the sun, four crowns representing the Viceroyalties of Mexico, New Granada, Peru and Río de la Plata, as well as four stars representing the Captaincies General of Cuba, Guatemala, Venezuela and Chile. The upper arch reads “ENCVENTRO DE DOS MVNDOS” (ENCOUNTER OF TWO WORLDS), and the lower arch, “1492-1992.”

Reverse design

The reverse shows the nominal value—“A1000″ (one thousand australes)— the year of coinage—“1991”—and the legend “REPVBLICA ARGENTINA” (ARGENTINE REPUBLIC) surrounding the Argentine coat of arms, and on the outer side, the coat of arms of the other countries that participated in this issuance.

Endangered Native Animals

Commemorative coin designed to raise awareness of endangered native animals, as part of the Ibero-American Coin Series that was launched in 1991. It is part of a joint endeavor of Argentina, Cuba, Ecuador, Spain, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Portugal and Uruguay.

Obverse design

The center shows the image of a tatú guazú (giant armadillo). This animal chosen by Argentina is one of the most endangered species. The animal is surrounded by the legend: “ENCVENTRO DE DOS MVNDOS: 1492 TATÚ GUAZÚ 1992” (ENCOUNTER OF TWO WORLDS: 1492 TATÚ GUAZÚ 1992).

Reverse design

The reverse shows the nominal value—“$25″ (twenty-five pesos),—the year of coinage—“1994”—and the legend “REPVBLICA ARGENTINA” (ARGENTINE REPUBLIC) surrounding the Argentine coat of arms, and on the outer side, the coat of arms of the other countries that participated in this issuance.

Ibero-American Traditional Dances and Costumes

Commemorative coin designed to acknowledge the importance of Ibero-American traditional dances and costumes, as part of the Ibero-American Coin Series that was launched in 1991. This issuance was conducted by 12 countries, namely: Argentina, Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Spain, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Portugal, Uruguay and Paraguay.

This coin, which was designed by Carlos P. Rodríguez Dufour—plastic artist working at the BCRA—won the best design award of the Series following the vote of all participating countries.

Obverse design

The center displays a couple dancing zamba, wearing traditional costumes. This figure is surrounded by the legend “ENCVENTRO DE DOS MVNDOS: LA ZAMBA” (ENCOUNTER OF TWO WORLDS: THE ZAMBA).

Reverse design

The reverse shows the nominal value—“$25” (twenty-five pesos),—the year of coinage—“1997”—and the legend “REPVBLICA ARGENTINA” (ARGENTINE REPUBLIC) surrounding the Argentine coat of arms, and on the outer side, the coat of arms of the other countries that participated in this issuance.

Man and the Horse

Commemorative coin titled “Man and the Horse,” as part of the Ibero-American Coin Series. This coin was jointly issued by Argentina, Portugal, Mexico, Cuba, Spain, Ecuador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Peru, Uruguay and Paraguay.

Obverse design

The center shows a gaucho taming his horse, surrounded by the legend: “LA DOMA CRIOLLA” (HORSE BREAKING).

Reverse design

The reverse shows the nominal value—“$25″ (twenty-five pesos),—the year of coinage—“2000”—and the legend “REPVBLICA ARGENTINA” (ARGENTINE REPUBLIC) surrounding the Argentine coat of arms, and on the outer side, the coat of arms of the other countries that participated in this issuance.

Navigation

Commemorative coin designed to acknowledge the importance of navigation, as part of the Ibero-American Coin Series that was launched in 1991. The following countries participated in this issuance: Argentina, Cuba, Ecuador, Spain, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru and Portugal.

Obverse design

The center shows the ARA Presidente Sarmiento frigate in full sail along with five stars in the upper arch.

Reverse design

The center displays the Argentine coat of arms surrounded by all the participating countries.

Architecture and Monuments

Commemorative coin designed to acknowledge the historical value of architecture and monuments, as part of the Ibero-American Coin Series that was launched in 1991. The following countries participated in this issuance: Argentina, Cuba, Ecuador, Spain, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru and Portugal.

Obverse design

The center shows the building of the Colón opera house, which was declared National Historical Monument on November 20, 1989. The upper arch reads “ENCVENTRO DE DOS MVNDOS” (ENCOUNTER OF TWO WORLDS), and the exergue, “TEATRO COLÓN” (COLÓN OPERA HOUSE).

Reverse design

The center displays the Argentine coat of arms surrounded by the legend “$25: REPVBLICA ARGENTINA: 2005” ($25:ARGENTINE REPUBLIC:2005), encircled by the coat of arms of all the participating countries.

Ibero-American Countries in Olympic Sports

Commemorative coin dedicated to Ibero-American countries in Olympic sports, as part of the Ibero-American Coin Series that was launched in 1991. The following countries participated in this issuance: Argentina, Cuba, Ecuador, Spain, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru and Portugal.

Obverse design

It shows a hand shooting a basketball through a hoop. The upper arch reads “ENCVENTRO DE DOS MVNDOS” (ENCOUNTER OF TWO WORLDS) and “MEDALLA DE ORO 2004” (2004 GOLD MEDAL).

Reverse design

The center displays the Argentine coat of arms surrounded by the legend “REPVBLICA ARGENTINA” (ARGENTINE REPUBLIC), the face value—“$25” (twenty-five pesos)—and the year of coinage—“2007,”—and on the outer side, the coat of arms of the other countries that participated in this issuance.

Ibero-American Historical Coins

Commemorative Ibero-American historical coin, as part of the Ibero-American Coin Series, which was launched in 1991. The following countries participated in this issuance: Argentina, Cuba, Spain, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru and Portugal.

In this series, the BCRA has decided to reproduce the obverse of the first silver national coin of $1, which was issued as from 1881 under Law 1130. This law had been enacted to unify Argentina’s currency system. This piece was commonly known as “patacón,” a colloquial term used in the past to refer to Spanish American colonial coins.

Obverse design

The center shows a replica of the obverse of the “patacón,” consisting in a coat of arms flanked by 14 flags—a symbol of the provincial division back then,—bay laurel joined with a ribbon, two cannons and the legend “REPUBLICA ARGENTINA” (ARGENTINE REPUBLIC) and “1881.” The upper arch contains the motto that represents the spirit behind this Ibero-American Series: “ENCVENTRO DE DOS MUNDOS” (ENCOUNTER OF TWO WORLDS). The lower arch reads “UN PESO – 9 DOS FINO,” which legends were on the reverse of the “patacón” in reference to the denomination and purity of the metal.

Reverse design

The center displays the Argentine coat of arms surrounded by the legend “REPVBLICA ARGENTINA” (ARGENTINE REPUBLIC), the face value—“$25” (twenty-five pesos)—and the year of coinage—“2010.”

20th Anniversary

The 9th Ibero-American Series of Commemorative Coins issued in celebration of the “20th Anniversary” embodies the completion of a successful joint project spanning over 20 years, in which Argentina has always participated. On this occasion, the following countries also took part: Cuba, Spain, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru and Portugal.

This numismatic piece was designed by the Treasury Strategic Planning Management Office — Numismatic Issuance Deputy Management Office of the BCRA.

Obverse design

The design at the center revolves around two axes: a linguistic pillar, conveyed in the phrase “Comunión de Voluntades” (Communion of Wills)—which refers to synergy among countries—and an image of a tree. This picture features the spirit of participation by way of man’s primitive iconography, hands as a universal language depicted in an allegorical tree—which represents the origin, development, growth, and outcome of this numismatic program—encircled by the legend “20° ANIVERSARIO DE LAS SERIES IBEROAMERICANAS” (20th ANNIVERSARY OF THE IBERO-AMERICAN SERIES) on the upper arch and “1992 COMUNIÓN DE VOLUNTADES 2012” (1992 COMMUNION OF WILLS 2012) on the lower arch. The outer ring comprises a portion of each of the eight series that have been issued, as an evocation of the continued participation of Argentina in the Ibero-American series.

Reverse design

The reverse design is common to all the coins of this series. The Argentine coat of arms, the legend “REPVBLICA ARGENTINA” (ARGENTINE REPUBLIC), the face value—”$25″ (twenty-five pesos)—and the year of coinage—”2012″—appear in the center of the coin, being enclosed by the coats of arms of the rest of the participating countries.

Cultural Roots

The 10th Ibero-American Series of Commemorative Coins, the motto of which is “Cultural Roots,” is the result of a joint project that started in 1992, and in which Argentina has always participated. On this occasion, the following countries also took part: Cuba, Ecuador, Spain, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru and Portugal.

This piece was designed by the Treasury Strategic Planning Management Office of the BCRA. It refers to the motto of native peoples and an icon of ethnic and cultural diversity, the wiphala. Its square structure, unlike occidental flags—which are rectangular in shape—stands for: organization, harmony, solidarity, unity, equality, justice, integration, inclusion.

Obverse design

The design features a geometrical, symmetrical and balanced composition. The center shows the wiphala and the Argentine flag, as a symbol of cohabitation and respect for the first inhabitants, and the principle of equality as well. The upper arch reads “X SERIE IBEROAMERICANA” (10TH IBERO-AMERICAN SERIES), and “RAÍCES CULTURALES – WIPHALA – EMBLEMA DE LOS PUEBLOS ORIGINARIOS” (CULTURAL ROOTS – WIPHALA – EMBLEM OF NATIVE PEOPLES) in the lower arch. The wiphala contains 49 squares, 7 by side, and its colors represent the rainbow (yellow, orange, red, violet, blue, green and white). There are 7 squares per color standing out from the metal.

Reverse design

Like all the coins of this series, the center shows the Argentine coat of arms, the legend “REPVBLICA ARGENTINA” (ARGENTINE REPUBLIC), the face value—“$25” (twenty-five pesos)—and the year of coinage—“2015”—being enclosed by the coats of arms of the rest of the participating countries.

Natural Wonders

The 11th Ibero-American Series of Commemorative Coins, the motto of which is “Natural Wonders,” is the result of a joint project that started in 1992, and in which Argentina has always participated. This time, coins are issued for the international market only. The participating countries are: Argentina, Cuba, Ecuador, Spain, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru and Portugal.

This piece was designed by the Treasury Strategic Planning Management Office of the BCRA. The coin shows Serranías del Hornocal, a limestone formation in Quebrada de Humahuaca, Province of Jujuy, which is formed by different minerals that, as a result of erosion, have created shades of colors on the mountainside. Triangular veins and a colorful palette can be overlooked from Mirador del Hornocal—4,300 meters above sea level. With thirty-three shades—as claimed by some people—it is one of the most impressive landscapes in Argentina.

The distinctive feature of this series is the colorful design of a mountain landscape.

Obverse design

The landscape appears as the main design on the coin, with the legend “SERRANÍAS DEL HORNOCAL”; in the upper part, “XI SERIE IBEROAMERICANA” (11TH IBERO-AMERICAN SERIES), and in the lower section “MARAVILLAS NATURALES” (NATURAL WONDERS). The colorful landscape is framed by a reproduction of two ancestral strips which were typical of the Argentine northwestern region. The strips also make reference to the mountainous relief of the area.

Reverse design

With a common design appearing on all the coins of this series, the Argentine coat of arms, the legend “REPVBLICA ARGENTINA” (ARGENTINE REPUBLIC), the face value—“$25” (twenty-five pesos)—and the year of coinage—“2017”—appear in the center of the coin, being enclosed by the coats of arms of the rest of the participating countries.

Ibero-American Capital Cities – Buenos Aires

The BCRA has issued a commemorative silver coin which is part of the 13th edition of the Ibero-American Series of Commemorative Coins, whose theme this year is “Ibero-American Capital Cities.”

This series is the result of an international program that has been carried out for twenty years. On this occasion, Ecuador, Spain, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru and Portugal have also participated.

Obverse design

The central image is the Women’s Bridge (Puente de la Mujer), which is a synthesis of a couple dancing tango. The white mast represents a man, and the curved silhouette represents a woman.

This urban icon was inaugurated on December 20, 2001. The bridge is the first work of civil engineer and architect Santiago Calatrava in Latin America.

It is located at Dock 3 of Puerto Madero and it was built on steel and reinforced concrete. It is 170 meters long and 6.20 meters wide. It has two fixed sections and one rotating section that opens to allow the passage of sailing ships.

The upper arch of the coin reads “XIII SERIE CAPITALES IBEROAMERICANAS” (13TH IBERO-AMERICAN CAPITAL CITIES SERIES), and the lower arch, “BUENOS AIRES.”

Reverse design

With a common design appearing on all the coins of this series, the Argentine coat of arms, the legend “REPVBLICA ARGENTINA” (ARGENTINE REPUBLIC), the face value—“$25” (twenty-five pesos)—and the year of coinage—“2024”—appear in the center of the coin, being enclosed by the coats of arms of the rest of the participating countries.