A 2-peso commemorative coin will be distributed among financial institutions for circulation as from next Monday.
Thus, 200 million commemorative coins will coexist with the banknotes and coins of the same value which are currently in circulation.
Obverse and reverse side of the Commemorative Coin of the Bicentennial of the Declaration of the Independence of Argentina.
The coin was designed by the BCRA and minted by Argentina's Mint House. It is identical to the 2-peso coin that is already in circulation. Its specifications are as follows: 7.2 grams (weight), 24.5 millimeters (external diameter), 17 millimeters (core diameter); ring alloy: copper (92%), aluminum (6%) and nickel (2%); and core alloy: copper (75%) and nickel (25%).
It is a bimetallic coin with a golden ring and silver core. The main features of its design are, namely: a pike topped with a Phrygian cap standing for the defense of the nation; and two hands clasped together signaling unity and fraternity among the peoples of the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata. The upper part of the ring reads "REPÚBLICA ARGENTINA," and the lower part "1816 *INDEPENDENCIA* 2016" in reference to Argentina's bicentennial Anniversary.
In turn, the reverse features a stylized picture of the sun on the epaulette of the military uniform of the General Don José de San Martín together with the face value of two pesos. In the upper arch, the motto “EN UNIÓN Y LIBERTAD” (“IN UNION AND LIBERTY”) can be read. It was used in the first national coins minted by the Assembly of the year 1813 during the Independence War.
Our BCRA seeks, through this commemorative coin, to pay homage to Argentina's patriotic forefathers who devoted their lives in pursuit of Independence on July 9, 1816.
