500th Anniversary of the Discovery of the Pacific Ocean
Introduction
This year marks the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the Pacific Ocean by Vasco Nunez de Balboa. For this reason the Spanish Royal Mint issues a new set of collector coins.
Vasco Nunez de Balboa (Jerez de los Caballeros, 1475 - Acla, January 15, 1519) was an Advance, explorer, governor, and Spanish conqueror. He was the first European to see the Pacific Ocean from its eastern shore.
In his campaigns to conquer new lands, Balboa heard from the existence of a large sea and land where gold abounded. Following such news, Nunez de Balboa organized an expedition with 190 Spanish and 800 Indians who first crossed the Isthmus of Panama. On September 25, 1513 Nuñez de Balboa sighted the coveted sea.
Details
The set is made up of trhee proof-minted coins, each presented in its own coin case inside a stylish presentation box.
The coins are accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by the FNMT-RCM.
| Name | Composition | Face Value | Weight | Diameter | Quality | Mint Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 escudos | .999 gold | 200 € | 13,50 g | 30 mm | Proof | 3.000 |
| Cincuentín | .925 sterling silver | 50 € | 168.75 g | 73 mm | Proof | 5.000 |
| 8 reales | .925 sterling silver | 10 € | 27 g | 40 mm | Proof | 10.000 |
4 escudos gold
The reverse shows the image of a caravel of the time.
On the obverse a portrait of Vasco Nunez de Balboa is reproduced, which is conserved in the Naval Museum of Madrid.
Cincuentin silver
The reverse shows a fragment of the map called "Maris Pacifici", made in 1589, included in the book "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum", geographer and cartographer Abraham Ortelius, which is conserved in the Naval Museum of Madrid.
On the obverse an image of the monument to Vasco Nunez de Balboa is reproduced, done by Mariano Benlliure, which rises in the capital of Panama.
8 reales silver
The reverse depicts an image of Vasco Nunez de Balboa taking possession of the Pacific Ocean.
On the obverse a portrait of Vasco Nunez de Balboa is showing, which is conserved in the Naval Museum of Madrid.
