The 1 Bolívar silver coin, minted between 1879 and 1936, is one of the most iconic pieces of Venezuelan numismatics. Its classic design, metal content, and historical significance make it highly valued by collectors around the world.
History of the Silver Bolívar
On March 31, 1879, Venezuela officially adopted the Bolívar as its currency, in honor of the Liberator Simón Bolívar. The silver 1 Bolívar coin series was issued during the United States of Venezuela (1864–1953), circulating until 1936. These coins reflect the country's economic stability and development during that time.
Technical Specifications and Dimensions
Diameter 23.4mm
Thickness 1.2mm
Weight in grams: 5 grams
Characteristics of the song: I sing with a cord
Design and Representation of the Currency
Obverse: It shows the national coat of arms of Venezuela, surrounded by the inscriptions “ESTADOS UNIDOS DE VENEZUELA”, the weight “GRAM. 5”, the year of minting and the metallic purity “LEI 835”.
Back: It features a bust of Simón Bolívar facing left, with the inscription "BOLÍVAR" on the left and "LIBERTADOR" on the right. Below the bust is the engraver's signature, "BARRE."
Symbolism of each design element: The design symbolizes the independence and sovereignty of Venezuela, highlighting the figure of Bolívar as the leader of liberation and the coat of arms as a representation of the nation.
Composition of the Currency
The 1 Bolívar coin was consistently composed of 83,5% silver and 16,5% copper throughout its minting period (1879–1936). This alloy provided durability and significant intrinsic value, which contributed to its long-standing acceptance and circulation.
Manufacturing Mints and Mint Marks
Venezuela's 1 Bolívar coins, minted between 1879 and 1936, were produced in several international mints due to the country's lack of infrastructure during certain periods. Notable mints include:
- Caracas Mint, Venezuela
- Monnaie de Paris, France
- Royal Mint of Belgium, Brussels
- United States Mint, Philadelphia, USA
These mints played a crucial role in Venezuela's monetary history, especially during the years when the country sought to consolidate its monetary system and required international support for the production of its coins.
Below is a table with relevant coinage information, including the year, mint mark, and number of coins minted:
| Year/Mint | coinage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1879 | 375 000 | Brussels Mint |
| 1886 | Caracas Mint; narrow date | |
| 1886 | 600 000 | Caracas Mint; broad date |
| 1886 A | ||
| 1887 | 280 000 | Caracas Mint; broad date |
| 1888 | 197 000 | Caracas Mint; broad date |
| 1889 | 118 000 | Caracas Mint; broad date |
| 1893 A | 500 000 | |
| 1900 | 380 000 | Money of Paris |
| 1901 | 323 000 | Money of Paris |
| 1903 | 800 000 | Philadelphia Mint |
| 1911 | Monnaie de Paris; 1 and 9 separated | |
| 1911 | 1 500 000 | Monnaie de Paris; 1 near 9 |
| 1912 | Monnaie de Paris; narrow date | |
| 1912 | 820 000 | Monnaie de Paris; broad date |
| 1919 | 1 000 000 | Philadelphia Mint |
| 1921 | 1 000 000 | Philadelphia Mint; minted in 1922 |
| 1924 | 1 500 000 | Philadelphia Mint |
| 1926 | 1 000 000 | Philadelphia Mint |
| 1929 | 2 500 000 | Philadelphia Mint |
| 1935 | 5 000 000 | Philadelphia Mint |
| 1936 | 5 000 000 | Philadelphia Mint; minted between 1936 and 1937 |
Information partially obtained from numist
Current Numismatic Value
The value of these coins varies depending on the year, mint, and condition.
Examples of auction prices
- 1 Bolívar 1888, AU53: It reached $18,000.00 US dollars in 2020
- 1 Bolívar 1911, MS64: It reached $2,220.00 US dollars in 2023
The Venezuelan 1 Bolívar silver coin (1879–1936) is a piece of great historical and numismatic value. Its design, composition, and the history it represents make it a coveted object for collectors and lovers of monetary history. Exploring these coins is like delving into a fundamental part of Venezuelan heritage.
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Some images shown in this article were obtained from Stack's Bowers, for illustrative and educational purposes.
