I don't normally buy proof gold coins because I prefer to spend the extra premium towards more gold weight. I made an exception on this one. Something about the portrait of Vasco Nuñez de Balboa called to me.
History
Balboa is best known for crossing the isthmus of Panama to become the first European to reach the Pacific Ocean from the New World. In addition to being an explorer, he also was a conquistador and Governor of Veragua. Sadly, he was ultimately beheaded as a result of the kniving machinations of Pedro Arias de Ávila, governor of Castilla de Oro.
If you want to learn more about his expeditions and life, click here.
Obverse
The obverse features a very detailed portrait of Balboa wearing an ornate conquistador helmet. It prominently features his name in an arc above the portrait, with the year 1976 stamped at the bottom. These proof coins were produced from 1975-1977 by the Franklin Mint.
Reverse
I put up a stock photo from APMEX, because I put a sticker on the back of the air tite on mine, to remind me of the pure gold weight of the coin. The reverse features the Panama Coat of Arms, which was adopted in 1904. (Source)
Specifications
Purity: 0.900
Weight: 0.2361 troy oz
Mint Mark: FM - Franklin Mint
Thickness: 2 mm
Diameter: 26 mm
This is a gorgeous coin. It runs around $500, which is around the going price for 1/4oz sovereign gold coins. I thinn it's an excellent piece for anyone's collection.
Panama Coat of Arms
Here is more about the design behind the Panama Coat of Arms. (Source: Wikipedia)
Crest
In place of a crest, a harpy eagle rising with wings displayed and elevated argent ensigned by an arc of ten stars Or, and holding in its beak an escrol bearing the motto, "Pro Mundi Beneficio," which is Latin for "For the benefit of the World."
Blazon
Quarterly: first argent, a sabre and rifle saltireways proper; second gules, a spade and hoe also saltireways and proper; third azure, a cornucopia with mouth downwards discharging coins Or; fourth argent, a winged wheel Or. Overall, a fess charged with a landscape of the isthmus of Panama with a setting sun and a rising moon, all proper.
Supporters
In place of supporters four banners, being quarterly: the first and fourth argent, the second gules, the third azure, with a star azure in the first quarter and another gules in the fourth.
Each month, I give away a $1 Goldback or 4 HBD. The winner gets to choose.
Note: Some countries may have prohibitively expensive shipping or delivery, which may not be feasible. I reserve the right to award the winner 4 HBD instead of a Goldback at my discretion.
Not sure what a goldback is? Click here to find out more about them.
How The Reblog Lottery Works
- Follow me. (If you're not a follower, you won't be entered into the drawing)
- Look for "Reblog lottery" in any of my post titles.
Make sure it's for the current contest month, and is 6 days old or less, and click "Reblog".
(Reblogging an older post will not get you an entry) - An upvote is appreciated but not required, and does not give you additional entries.
- You'll get one entry for each qualifying article you reblog this way.
- At the end of the month I'll enter your name into the drawing and pick a winner at random.
Note: Bots are not eligible to win