Owner Comments:
Dominican Republic - 1939 Peso (KM# 22) - Mintage: 15,000
This coin was minted by the US Mint in Philadelphia for circulation in the Dominican Republic. The weight of these coins as stated on the obverse is the same as that of the U.S. silver dollar, last minted in 1935.
The obverse shows the head of a Dominican Indian girl wearing a feathered headdress bearing the word "LIBERTAD." Around the boarder is the denomination "UN PESO," the weight "26.7 GRAMOS," and the date below the bust. The reverse is dominated by the coat-of-arms of the Republic surrounded by wreaths of palm and laurel on either side. The scroll at the top contains the incused words "DIOS PATRIA LIBERTAD" (God, Country and Liberty). The lower scroll, also incused, reads REPUBLICA DOMINCANA."
The mention of God and liberty (LIBERTAD on both sides of this coin) is very ironic given the iron-fisted nature of the Rafael Trujillo's regime (1930-1961). Economic growth was achieved by absolute repression and the copious use of murder, torture, and terrorist methods against the opposition.
The mintage for this coins is relatively small and high grade specimens are difficult (i.e. very expensive) to obtain. This coin only graded EF40, but the wear is very even and the design elements are still fully identifiable.
Date acquired: 8/27/2014 (Already graded by NGC)
Date regraded: 12/29/2014 (resubmitted to NGC)
Rev. 12/2/2015