Medal - Quetzal Monetary Unit 1974 front Medal - Quetzal Monetary Unit 1974 back
Medal - Quetzal Monetary Unit 1974 photo
© oynbcn (CC0)

Medal - Quetzal Monetary Unit

1974 year
Silver (.720) 16 g 31 mm
Description
Location
Guatemala
Type
› Tokens
Year
1974
Composition
Silver (.720)
Weight
16 g
Diameter
31 mm
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Updated
2024-11-13
References
Numista
N#243444
Rarity index
94%

Reverse

Stylized Quetzal bird in flight with line pattern behind.
The resplendent quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno) is a bird in the trogon family. It is found from Chiapas, Mexico to western Panama (unlike the other quetzals of the genus Pharomachrus, which are found in South America and eastern Panama). It is well known for its colorful plumage. The resplendent quetzal plays an important role in various types of Mesoamerican mythology. It is the national bird of Guatemala, and its image is found on the country's flag and coat of arms. It also lends its name to the country's currency, the Guatemalan quetzal.

Edge

Plain

Comment

The quetzal is the current monetary unit of legal use in Guatemala, named after the national bird of Guatemala, the resplendent quetzal. It was created when the Monetary Law of November 26, 1924 was issued by Decree number 879, during the government of President José María Orellana, the year in which it replaced the Guatemalan peso. The quetzal is divided into 100 centavos.