Guatemala - Colonial Period (1524-1823) Coins
The official currency of Guatemala is the quetzal, adopted in 1925. This monetary system has a rich history and has undergone several changes over time, reflecting the economic and political evolution of the country.
Monetary history of Guatemala
Before the adoption of the quetzal, Guatemala used several currencies, including the Guatemalan peso and the real. During the colonial period, Spanish coins circulated, and after independence in 1821, the first national coins were issued. In 1859, the Guatemalan peso was introduced, which was replaced by the quetzal in 1925 as part of a monetary reform to stabilize the economy.
Relevant numismatic milestones
Among the highlights in Guatemalan numismatics is the issuance of the first quetzal coin in 1925, minted in silver. In 1965, the first nickel coins were introduced to replace the silver coins. An important milestone was the issuance of the Quinto Centenario commemorative coin in 1992, celebrating the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America. Currently, coins of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents, as well as 1 quetzal, all minted in different metal alloys, are in circulation.
| Country | Guatemala |
| Flag | |
| Coin | Quetzal (GTQ) |
| 1€ | 8,17Q |
| Continent | America Centro |
| Capital city | Guatemala City |
| ISO2 | GT |
| ISO3 | GTM |
| Catalogued coins | 428 |
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Ancient coins of Guatemala
To facilitate their classification, we have decided to organise the coins according to their historical period, you can consult the coins by historical numismatic categories of Guatemala.
Colonial Period 1524-1823 Federal Era 1823-1829 Farm Coins 1839-1945 Republican Era 1852-1871 Reform Era 1872-1893 Liberal 1894-1924 Modern 1924-?The most valuable coins
The most valuable Guatemala - Colonial Period (1524-1823) coins and sought after by collectors according to Foronum statistics are the following:
The valuation of these coins has been achieved through a meticulous algorithm that considers the current market, taking into account aspects such as material, weight, diameter, edge, year of mintage, mint of manufacture and the number of coins produced. Coins with limited mintages and in good condition are usually among the most valuable.
Coin Catalog
2 escudos
8 escudos (Ferdinand VI)
1 1/2 real (Ferdinand VI)
8 escudos (Ferdinand VI)
2 reales (Charles III)
8 escudos (Charles III)
1 real (Charles III)
1/2 real (Charles IV)
2 reales (Charles IV)
4 reales (Charles IV)
8 reales (Charles IV)
1 escudo (Charles IV)
Other resources to find coins and banknotes of Guatemala
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