Owner Comments:
Guatemala 1926 5 Quetzales (KM #244) Gold - Mintage: 48,000
Fineness: ... 0.9000 Gold, 0.10000 Copper
Weight: ....... 8.39592 g
AGW: ........... 0.2419 oz
Diameter: ... 22 mm
Obverse: National arms
Reverse: Quetzal atop engraved pillar
This coin is a one year type and was minted by the Philadelphia Mint for circulation in Guatemala. 1926 was the only year that gold coins were struck for Guatemala and a 10 Quetzal and 20 Quetzal coin were also struck that year. The exchange rate at the time was one quetzal to the US dollar, so this coin was equivalent in value to a US $5 gold piece.
The monetary unit of the Quetzal was initiated on November 26, 1924, to replace the Peso which had decreased in value so much that it was almost worthless. The value of the Quetzal was tied to the US Dollar at a rate of one to one. It is named after the bird which graces both sides of this coin. The Quetzal was highly valued by the Aztecs and Mayas for its plumage, and by Guatemalans because it symbolizes freedom. Until the middle of the 20th century, it was not know how to keep a Quetzal alive in captivity, thus it had to "live free or die."
This particular coin is a nicely struck and very well preserved example of this rare coin.
Date acquired:6/7/2013 (already graded by NGC)
Rev. 1/26/2018