The Coins of Venezuela
This month we are looking at coins of countries that hit the
headlines. One of these in Venezuela. The Bolívar is the official currency of
Venezuela. It is named after the hero of South American independence Simón
Bolívar, and was introduced as part of the monetary reform of 1879. It was long
considered among the most stable currencies but since 1983, the currency has
experienced a prolonged period of high inflation, losing value almost 500-fold.
One of the highlights of my boyhood coin collection was a small
Venezuelan coin which I now know to be a Bolivar. I must have given it in 1960s
when it was found in change. It is not in good condition or valuable but it
fascinated me as it was made (mostly) of silver. To a young boy it was an item
from an exotic, far away place.
Many of Venezuelan coin designs have changed little since
the 1870s, a symbol of stability of ideals and the economy. I suppose if you get a good design – stick to
it!
