The 2 Pesos Oro Sellodo, minted between 1881 and 1884 in Argentina, are part of a coin series of high historical and symbolic value. These coins were part of the national government's effort to consolidate a stable currency under the gold standard, following decades of political and economic instability. Today, these coins are considered numismatic gems for their rarity, purity, and beauty, and are especially coveted by collectors of XNUMXth-century gold coins.
History of the 2 Pesos of Argentina
The history of these coins begins with Law No. 1130 of November 5, 1881, enacted under the government of Julio Argentino Roca. This legislation established the Sealed Gold Peso as the national monetary unit, equivalent to 1,6129 grams of pure gold, formally adopting the gold standard . This marked a decisive step toward the economic modernization of Argentina.
The 2 Pesos were part of a larger series that included 1, 2, 5, and 10 Pesos Oro Sellado denominations, all intended to support an economy based on 0.900 fine gold. These coins were minted exclusively between 1881 and 1884, in a context of strengthening the national state, growing trade, and the need for a strong and reliable currency to counter the foreign currencies widely circulating in the country.
Technical Specifications and Dimensions
Diameter: 19 mm
Weight in grams : 4.0322 grams
Song characteristics : Striated
Design and Representation of the Currency
Obverse: The Argentine national coat of arms is centered on the obverse . Above it, a radiant sun with multiple linear rays crowns the shield, representing the birth of a new nation. The shield is surrounded by a wreath of laurel branches tied at their base with a ribbon, a symbol of victory and glory. The legend “ REPUBLICA ARGENTINA ” appears in capital letters along the top edge of the coin. At the bottom, the year of minting is centered, flanked by two small six-pointed stars , one on each side. The entire design is framed by a serrated edge that runs around the coin's perimeter, giving it an elegant and distinctive finish.
Reverse: The reverse of the 2.5 Pesos Gold Stamped coin of Argentina features the right-facing profile bust of a female figure representing Liberty , with flowing, wavy hair covered by a Phrygian cap . The inscription “ LIBERTAD ” (Liberty) appears along the upper edge, flanked by six-pointed stars. Clockwise, the legend “ 9 DÉCIMOS FINO ” (9 Tenths Fine) indicates the gold purity (0.900 fineness), and at the bottom, “ 2.5 PESOS 1/2 ARGENTINO ” (2.5 Pesos 1/2 Argentine) expresses both the face value and its equivalent in the new monetary unit established by the 1881 law. Below the bust, to the right, is the engraver's signature “ OUDINÉ ,” referring to Eugène-André Oudiné, the renowned French sculptor and medalist. The entire design is framed by a fine serrated edge , which lends harmony and elegance to the coin's overall appearance.
Design Symbolism: The Argentine 2 Peso Gold Stamped coin is deeply imbued with patriotic and republican symbolism. On the obverse , the pike with the Phrygian cap represents the struggle for liberty and the birth of the republic, reinforced by the rising sun, which alludes to the emergence of a new nation in Latin America. The laurel branches surrounding the shield symbolize the victory, glory, and honor of the young Argentine nation. On the reverse , the female figure with the Phrygian cap personifies Liberty , one of the founding values of the Argentine State; her flowing hair suggests dynamism, youth, and independence. As a whole, the coin visually communicates the ideals of liberty, unity, economic stability, and national sovereignty.
Composition of the Currency
The coin's composition is 90% gold and 10% copper , remaining constant throughout the series minted between 1881 and 1884 with a purity of 0.900 , which guaranteed its acceptance both nationally and internationally. This uniformity in the alloy not only strengthened confidence in the Argentine monetary system but also consolidated the Sealed Gold Peso as a benchmark currency in the Southern Cone during the 1880s, within a context of economic modernization and institutional stability.
Manufacturing Mints
All 2 Peso Gold Stamped coins were minted by the Buenos Aires Mint , officially opened in 1875 as part of a government policy aimed at centralizing currency production and reducing the circulation of foreign currency in the country. These coins do not have a visible mint mark , although their design, style, and technical characteristics allow them to be attributed with certainty to that issuing institution.
Below is a table with relevant information about the minting, including the year and number of coins minted:
| Year | coinage |
|---|---|
| 1881 | 9 |
| 1884 | 421 |
Information partially obtained from Numista
Current Numismatic Value
The value of these coins has grown substantially thanks to their rarity, their purity of gold, and their historical significance.
Examples of relevant auction prices:
- 2½ Pesos of Argentina 1884, MS63: Reached $12,000.00 USD in January 2025
- 2½ Pesos of Argentina 1884, AU58: It reached $7,200.00 USD in November 2023
The Argentine 2 Peso Gold Sealed series (1881–1884) represents tangible testimony to the country's economic consolidation. Their refined design, consistent purity, and solid legal basis make them key pieces in Latin American numismatics. If you are a collector, historian, or lover of vintage gold, this coin is undoubtedly a must-have. We invite you to continue exploring our site to discover more fascinating stories about epoch-making coins.
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