Questions and Answers about the Commemorative Coin of the 500th Anniversary of the founding of Santa Marta

REFERENCES

Commemorative Coin of the 500th Anniversary of the founding of Santa Marta

Other commemorative coins

1. Questions related to coin exchange

Where can the public acquire the commemorative coin of the 500th anniversary of the founding of Santa Marta?

The commemorative coin will be available to the public as of Friday, 11 July 2025, and may be purchased at the twenty-nine (29) branches of Banco de la República (the Central Bank of Colombia) nationwide, as well as at the Luis Ángel Arango Library and Casa Gómez Campuzano in Bogotá, prior appointment requested at https://ext.bookitit.com/banrep (only in Spanish).

  • It has a face value of COP 20,000, is of legal tender, and may be used for any monetary transaction for the equivalent of its face value. The coin is delivered inside its acrylic capsule and with a leaflet containing information about its features.
  • The coin is also available with a special case (optional) for COP 37,000.
  • A maximum of five (5) coins per user will be exchanged, while stocks last.
  • Only cash is accepted for the exchange.
     

Why maximum five (5) coins per user?

Considering that commemorative coins are of a unique and limited edition as well as the increased demand from the public to collect them, Banco de la República intends through this measure that more Colombians may have the opportunity to acquire them.

Why can't I exchange the coin virtually and have it delivered to my home?

Commemorative coins are valuables on which there is a restriction on sending them by courier service. Banco de la República is currently exploring alternatives so that they can be acquired through the website and sent to the user’s place of residence. 

Why can't a minor exchange the coin?

The Treasury Department’s current regulations require for cash exchange at the Treasury counters the identification of the user through his/her citizenship card or (first-time or duplicate procedure ID). This means that minors are not allowed to carry out this type of transactions, including those related to commemorative coins.

2. Questions related to design, production, or reasons why Banco de la República issues commemorative coins

Why does Banco de la República mint a commemorative coin for the 500th anniversary of the founding of Santa Marta?

In compliance with Article 8 of Law 2058 of 21 October 2020, the minting of the commemorative coin of the 500th anniversary of the founding of Santa Marta was authorized.

What elements are found on the obverse and reverse of the commemorative coin of the 500th anniversary of the founding of Santa Marta?

The obverse shows the image of the Casa de la Aduana, one of Santa Marta’s most emblematic buildings. Built by brothers Domingo and Nicolás Jimeno around 1730, it has served various purposes over its nearly 300-year history. It also includes an image of El Morro islet with its lighthouse, located in the bay in front of the city. In the upper part, there is a geometric pattern and the inscription “500 años de la fundación de Santa Marta” (500 years of the foundation of Santa Marta). The text “CASA DE LA ADUANA Santa Marta” (CUSTOMS HOUSE – Santa Marta) appears in the center, and in the lower part and concentrically, the commemorative period “1525-2025.”

In turn, the reverse shows a pectoral from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a representative element of the region’s goldsmithing art. The inscription “PECTORAL NEHUANGE” appears above the image. In the upper part and concentrically is the face value of the coin “VEINTE MIL PESOS” (TWENTY THOUSAND COLOMBIAN PESOS), a geometric pattern, and a latent image as a security feature that, depending on the angle from which it is viewed, will reflect the initials “BR” (which stand for Banco de la República) or the Arabic numeral “20.” In the lower part and concentrically, appears the caption REPÚBLICA DE COLOMBIA (REPUBLIC OF COLOMBIA) and the year “2025.”

What are the features or technical specifications of the coin?

The coin of the 500th anniversary of the foundation of Santa Marta has a face value of COP 20,000; 200,000 pieces were minted. The coin is made of an alloy composed of 65% +/-2 copper, 15% +/-2 nickel, and 20% +/-2 zinc, known as White Alpacca. The diameter is 35 mm (± 0.1 mm), an average weight of 21.75 g (± 3.0%), and the coin has a reeded edge.

Who manufactures the commemorative coins of the 500th anniversary of the foundation of Santa Marta?

The design was made by the Communication and Economic Education Department of Banco de la República. In turn, the Royal Dutch Mint was the company selected to manufacture the coins of the 500th anniversary of Santa Marta, following an invitation process to several potential providers.

Why was the coin not produced at Banco de la República’s Mint?

Considering the high occupancy of the Mint in the production of national coins and the special effort and time needed to produce the commemorative coin, it was decided to rely on a third party.