Panamanian 1/4 Balboa Silver Coin minted by the United States Mint
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Philadelphia or other mint facility minting for Panama)
Pattern: Panamanian Balboa Circulation Coinage
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia or other mint facility minting for Panama)
Material
90 percent silver, 10 percent copper (.900 fine coin silver)
Dimensions
Standard 1/4 Balboa diameter approximately 24.3 mm, weight approximately 6.25 grams of standard coin silver
Description
A small circular silver coin resting in a human palm, displaying traditional Panamanian numismatic imagery including a standing figure or national crest. The surface shows characteristic circulation wear and dark natural tarnish spots.
Key Features
Legible denomination text in Spanish referencing twenty-five centavos, official national imagery of Panama, and precious silver alloy content
Material & Composition
90 percent silver, 10 percent copper (.900 fine coin silver)
Finish & Decoration
Standard circulation strike with milled edge and low-relief mint engraving
Hallmarks & Stamps
Denomination text TWENTY FIVE CENTAVOS DE BALBOA, national coat of arms of Panama, and the year of minting
Construction Details
Machine-struck via high-pressure coin dies, edge milled
Functional Features
Standard circulating monetary coin with legal tender status in the Republic of Panama
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable; circular milled coin edge
Craftsmanship Details
Precision die-struck coin manufacturing with sharp, uniform lettering and detailed relief characteristic of national mint production
Authentication Indicators
Correct diameter, weight, and bilingual or Spanish lettering consistent with official Panamanian coinage minted by authorized foreign mints
Origin & Manufacturing
Minted in the United States for the Republic of Panama under monetary agreements
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century or Later Circulation Coinage
Age Estimate
Mid-20th century, dependent on exact visible date on the reverse
Cultural Significance
Represents the monetary history of Panama and the close economic ties between Panama and the United States in numismatics
Condition Notes
Moderate to heavy circulation wear, surface scratches, and significant dark tarnish/oxidation spots across both obverse and reverse. Grade is Fair to Good.
Value Estimate
Melt value of its silver content plus a modest numismatic premium, typically ranging from $5 to $15 depending on exact year, condition, and silver spot prices
Care & Maintenance
Store in a dry numismatic flip or capsule; avoid harsh chemical cleaning or abrasive polishing to preserve collectible coin integrity
Similar Pieces
US Washington Quarters of the same era, which share the exact same weight, dimensions, and silver fineness
Interesting Facts
Panamanian Balboas have historically been pegged to the US Dollar at a 1:1 ratio, and Panamanian silver coins were traditionally minted at US Mint facilities to exact US coin specifications