1960 Venezuela 25 Centimos Silver Coin
Coin/Bullion · Maison de la Monnaie (Paris Mint) under contract for the Banco Central de Venezuela. The Paris Mint is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious minting institutions.
Pattern: Standard Circulation Coinage, Bolívar Curreny System
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Maison de la Monnaie (Paris Mint) under contract for the Banco Central de Venezuela. The Paris Mint is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious minting institutions.
Material
83.5% Silver (.835 Silver), 16.5% Copper. Contains approximately 0.0336 troy ounces of pure silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 18mm; Weight: 1.25 grams; Thickness: approximately 0.58mm.
Description
This is a fine example of Venezuelan numismatic history. The coin is a diminutive silver piece featuring the national coat of arms, symbolizing the country's unity and agricultural wealth. It represents the final era of silver-based fractional currency in Venezuela before the transition to base metal alternatives in the late 1960s.
Key Features
High silver content (.835 fine), high relief Coat of Arms on the obverse, and the iconic wreath enclosing the denomination on the reverse side.
Material & Composition
83.5% Silver (.835 Silver), 16.5% Copper. Contains approximately 0.0336 troy ounces of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike with a reeded edge. Obverse features the Coat of Arms of Venezuela with horses, wheatsheaves, and banners. Reverse features the denomination within a laurel and olive leaf wreath.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The '1960' date is prominent on the obverse. No specific mint mark is present (standard for Paris Mint strikes of this era for Venezuela). Legends include 'REPUBLICA DE VENEZUELA' and '25 CENTIMOS'.
Construction Details
Machine-struck/Die-struck on a prepared .835 silver planchet. This process ensures high uniformity and crisp details characteristic of mid-20th-century industrial minting.
Functional Features
Standard currency unit; reeded edge to prevent 'clipping' or shaving of the silver content.
Handle & Grip Details
None (standard coinage form).
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent industrial die-striking. The alignment of the obverse and reverse is precise, with well-defined denticles along the rim.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font styles and spacing for the 1960 issue. Visible 'orange peel' texture common in 83.5% silver alloys. Diameter and weight align with standard specifications for the 1.25g series.
Origin & Manufacturing
Venezuela (Origin); Manufactured in Paris, France (Minting location) for the Venezuelan government.
Era & Period
Modern Era / Cold War Era (1960). Struck during the presidency of Rómulo Betancourt.
Age Estimate
Dated 1960; currently 64 years old.
Cultural Significance
Represents the economic stability of mid-century Venezuela during the transition into a modern democratic republic after the fall of the Pérez Jiménez dictatorship.
Condition Notes
Very Good to fine. Shows moderate circulation wear on the high points of the shield and wreath. Some light iridescent toning is visible on the surface. No major scratches or rim dings.
Value Estimate
$2.00 - $6.00 USD. Value is primarily derived from silver melt weight (bullion value) plus a small numismatic premium for its condition.
Care & Maintenance
Do not polish. Clean only with mild soapy water if necessary. Store in the pictured PVC-free plastic flip to prevent environmental tarnishing and sulfur exposure.
Similar Pieces
1960 50 Centimos (2.5g) and 1960 1 Bolivar (5g) coins. These share the same design and silver fineness but are larger in scale.
Interesting Facts
Despite being a tiny coin, its high silver purity meant it held its value significantly better than the debased cupro-nickel coins that followed in 1965.