Cuba North, Central America Coins: World Coins & Paper Money

Cuba has seen over 150 years of civil unrest, and, has been minting their coins for only 27 years. The Cuban Mint was established in 1977. Before that Spain, United States, and Eastern European countries minted Cuban coins. Since 1977, Cuba has minted thousands of commemorative coins in addition to normal coins for circulation. These commemorative coins, minted by the Cuban Mint, are not eagerly sought after, due to uncertain mintage figures and inflated prices. In addition, Cuban coins produced after 1962 are included in the Trading with the Enemy Act, passed by the US Congress in 1963. Thus, Americans are not allowed to import these coins. Although it is illegal to import coins from Cuba to the US, it is not illegal to sell, trade or buy coins from Cuba if they are already in the United States. Thus American collectors typically focus on “pre Castro” or “pre Revolution” coinage.

 

There are only a few books in circulation regarding the “pre Revolution” coinage, which we identify as 1898 – 1962. Perhaps the most detailed book is The Coinage of Cuba; 1870 to Date, by Thomas Lismore. Although this book was published in 1966, it is one of the best guides to pre-revolutionary coins of Cuba. Many things can affect the value of Coins from Cuba including scarcity and condition.