Panama is a relatively young nation, achieving independence from Colombia in 1903 with help from the U.S. The United States wanted to build a canal across the Isthmus of Panama and Colombia wouldn't go along with it, so the U.S. supported an independence movement and signed the canal agreement with the new nation. The first coins of Panama were minted in 1904. The main unit of money is known as the balboa, named after Spanish explorer Vasco Nunez de Balboa, who was the first Spaniard to reach the Pacific Ocean in 1513. Recently I acquired a bunch of really nice Panamanian coins to add to my collection, and I wanted to share the collection with you all here. First up are a half centesimo, the 1 centesimos, along with a 1 1/4 centesimos coin.
Here are the 2 1/2 centesimos, including the 1904, known as the "Panama pill," one of the smallest silver coins ever made.
Nowhere near as cool as yours, but if you'd like these for your collection, PM me your address, and I'll send out this weekend.
Very nice collection. Here are my coins from Panama link: https://www.cointalk.com/threads/going-to-panama-soon-any-suggestions-re-coins.229552/ + 4 coins not there... and my favorite Panama coin $100.00 ...
You know I love Panama, and have posted many coins. Here is one or two if interested: But wait, this is an EXTREMELY RARE pattern - check the reverse: And now the definition of swirling luster:
I was stationed there in the USAF for 4 years! Brought back several coins! This is the only one I have a picture of readily available!
1966 Proof Set. IIRC this set was minted in the US. 90% silver when the mint was only producing 40% silver clad half dollars for US use and collectors had to get SMS sets.
I like the design but this is NOT the proof. 1984 FM 20 Balboas in Uncirculated ( all the "freckles" are artifacts and not surface damage, coin is MS68):
