South America isn’t as well-known for numismatic or bullion coins, but there are still a few interesting options.
Argentina
Beginning in 1881, Argentina produced the gold peso fuerte, sometimes known as Un Argentino. The coins contain 90% fine gold with an actual gold weight of .2334 troy ounces. They were also released in silver and in several denominations.
These pesos are no longer accepted as legal tender, but still make excellent–and unusual–additions to your collection. Modern pesos and centavos are sometimes hard to find in Argentina, even for common purchases.
Argentina Highlights
- The name “Argentina” is derived from the Latin “argentum,” meaning “silver.” The area was said to be home to a mountain range of silver (explorers were disappointed that this legendary treasure was never found).
- The musical Evita is based off the life of Eva Peron, the wife of President Juan Domingo Peron. She enacted women’s suffrage in 1947 and was named the “Spiritual Leader of the Nation” by the Argentine Congress.
- Argentina boasts one of the greatest varieties of ecosystems in the world.
- If you visit, dare to tango: the dance originated in Buenos Aires. You may want to visit on July 20–Friend’s Day, in which people celebrate their friendships.
Panama
The balboa is one of the official currencies of Panama (the other is the United States dollar!). It is named in honor of conquistador Vasco Nunez de Balboa, who became the first European to see the Pacific from the New World by crossing the Isthmus of Panama.
The balboa was introduced in 1904 and is exchangeable with U.S. dollars at a 1:1 ratio. In 1966, the composition was changed from silver to copper-nickel clad, though .90 fine silver 1 balboa coins were introduced that year.
Provident Metals offers the 20 Balboa Silver coin, which contains 92.5% pure silver and has an actual troy weight of 3.8544 troy ounces. These coins feature the portrait of Simon Bolivar and the Panamanian Coat of Arms.
Panama Highlights
- Panama is the only place in the world where you can watch the sun rise over the Pacific and set on the Atlantic.
- Panama holds world records for bird watching; it shelters more birds than the United States and Canada combined.
- The United States owned the Panama Canal until 1999. Now the shipping hub provides much of the money for Panama’s economy.
- Don’t go looking for the iconic hat: the Panama Hat is actually made in Ecuador.
Suriname
Suriname is South America’s smallest country, and it produced the 2013 1 oz Suriname Silver, an incredibly popular piece. It is composed of 1 ounce of .999 silver.
This coin shows the Coat of Arms and a map of Suriname. The coin was produced by the European Central Mint in Amsterdam but has a face value of 10 Surinamese dollars.
Suriname Highlights
- Suriname is one of two South American countries that is not bordered by a Spanish-speaking country. The official language of Suriname is Dutch!
- The Republic of Suriname was formerly known as Dutch Guiana, until 1954. It has been an independent country since 1975.
- More than 80% of Suriname’s territory is unspoiled rainforest.
- Buckle your seatbelt: Folks in Suriname drive on the left! While you’re there, make sure you check out a football game (what Americans will recognize as soccer).
Did you bring home a coin from Argentina, Panama, or Suriname?
Read more of this series: Coins of the World: Europe
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