Dominican Republic 1997 50th Anniversary Banco Central Five Pesos Coin
Coin/Bullion (Bimetallic) · Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (Banco Central de la República Dominicana); minted at an official government mint.
Pattern: Commemorative Circulating Coinage; 50th Anniversary of the Central Bank.
Type
Coin/Bullion (Bimetallic)
Maker
Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (Banco Central de la República Dominicana); minted at an official government mint.
Material
Bimetallic composition: Cupro-nickel center plug with a Brass outer ring. No precious metal / silver content (0% Silver).
Dimensions
Diameter: 25mm; Thickness: approx 2.0mm; Weight: 6.8 grams. Individual pocket-change size.
Description
A bi-colored commemorative five-peso coin celebrating the golden jubilee of the Dominican Republic's Central Bank. The center features a silver-colored cupro-nickel disk with the bust of founding father Juan Pablo Duarte, surrounded by a golden-hued brass ring bearing the commemorative text.
Key Features
Bimetallic contrast, 1947-1997 commemorative dates, Juan Pablo Duarte portrait, and 50th Anniversary inscription.
Material & Composition
Bimetallic composition: Cupro-nickel center plug with a Brass outer ring. No precious metal / silver content (0% Silver).
Finish & Decoration
Circulated strike with matte center and polished-look outer ring. Obverse features the portrait of Juan Pablo Duarte; reverse typically features the national coat of arms. High-relief die-striking.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Legend: '50 ANIVERSARIO BANCO CENTRAL', dates '1947 - 1997'. Denial value on reverse. No silversmith hallmarks as this is base-metal currency.
Construction Details
Machine-struck, bimetallic construction where a core plug is pressure-fitted into an outer ring during the minting process.
Functional Features
Legal tender currency (though largely replaced by inflation or newer issues), serrated or reeded edge for anti-counterfeiting.
Handle & Grip Details
None; standard coin edges for tactile identification.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial precision-engineered dies with high-quality strike pressure, ensuring the center plug remains securely locked within the outer ring.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic bimetallic seam, correct font style for Dominican coinage of that period, and standard wear patterns consistent with cupro-nickel and brass circulation.
Origin & Manufacturing
Dominican Republic; manufactured in a state minting facility using industrial high-pressure coin presses.
Era & Period
Modern Era; Late 20th Century (1997). Reflective of the transition to bimetallic currency popular in various nations during the 1990s.
Age Estimate
Dated 1997; exactly 27 years old as of 2024.
Cultural Significance
Represents the economic history and sovereignty of the Dominican Republic, celebrating the institution responsible for the country's monetary stability.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition with visible surface scratches, moderate tarnish/oxidation on the brass ring, and some dirt accumulation in the recessed lettering. Grade: Fine to Very Fine (VF).
Value Estimate
$0.50 - $2.00 USD. Value is based on numismatic interest rather than metal content, as it contains no silver.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish with silver chemicals as it may damage the numismatic surface. Store in a dry, PVC-free coin flip to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Standard 1997 Five Pesos (non-commemorative), Canadian Toonie (different metals), or Mexican 10 Pesos (similar bimetallic look).
Interesting Facts
While appearing silver and gold, these coins are composed of common industrial metals. This specific issue was a major commemorative event for the Dominican banking system.