Numismatic

1972 Panama Silver 20 Balboas Simon Bolivar Proof (w/Box & COA)

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In 1972, the Republic of Panama issued a remarkably substantial silver coin that captured the attention of the numismatic world. Minted in sterling silver with a purity of 0.925, this 20 Balboas piece contains 3.854 troy ounces of precious metal. Upon its release, it earned a reputation as the largest circulating silver coin of its era, making it a true heavyweight of mid-century coinage. The obverse of this impressive coin features a detailed bust of the South American liberator Simon Bolivar, accompanied by his name and the years of his life, 1783 to 1830. The year of issue, 1972, is positioned directly below the portrait. On the reverse, the official national coat of arms of Panama is displayed, with the denomination of 20 Balboas clearly marked below the shield. Struck to a brilliant proof finish at the Franklin Mint, this sovereign coin carries the full backing of the Panamanian government. Cataloged as KM-31, this issue had a limited mintage of 48,000 pieces, representing a fascinating moment in monetary history when physical coin sizes reached grand proportions.