Panama – 1975 – 500 Balboas – 500 years of Vasco Núñez de Balboa – Gold – PCGS PCGS PR70 Deep Cameo

Panama – 1975 – 500 Balboas – PCGS PR70 DCAM: This large-format gold coin was issued to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the birth of Vasco Núñez de Balboa. The Spanish explorer was the first European to reach the Pacific Ocean from the American continent in 1513 and became one of Panama’s most influential historical figures.

The proof edition is made of 900 gold and has a gross weight of 41.7 grams. This exceptionally well-preserved example has been certified by PCGS with the highest possible rating, PR70 Deep Cameo.

500 years of Vasco Núñez de Balboa

Vasco Núñez de Balboa was probably born in Spain in 1475. After arriving in the New World, he participated in the Spanish exploration of Central America and founded Santa María la Antigua del Darién, one of the first permanent European settlements on the American mainland.

In 1513, Balboa led an expedition across the Isthmus of Panama. From a mountaintop, he glimpsed what would later be known as the Pacific Ocean. A few days later, he reached its shores and claimed the territory on behalf of the Spanish Crown.

Panama commemorated the 500th anniversary of its birth in 1975 with this gold coin.

The Balboa side

The obverse depicts Vasco Núñez de Balboa in historical armor. He kneels with a raised sword and holds a flag in his other hand. The image commemorates the moment of Spain’s conquest of the newly acquired sea.

The inscription around the perimeter reads:

500 ANIVERSARIO DEL NACIMIENTO DE BALBOA

DESCUBRIDOR DEL PACIFICO

Below the figure is the year of issue:

1975

The Spanish transliteration refers to Balboa, according to the traditional historical classification, as the discoverer of the Pacific.

The coat of arms page

The other side shows the coat of arms of the Republic of Panama. Above the shield is an eagle with outstretched wings.

The banner bears the Panamanian motto:

PRO MUNDI BENEFICIO

The inscription around the perimeter names the issuing country:

REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

Below the state coat of arms are the fineness mark and the face value:

900/1000 ORO FINO

500 BALBOAS

The small mint mark FM refers to the Franklin Mint.

More than 37 grams of pure gold

The coin has a gross weight of 41.7 grams and is made of gold with a fineness of 900/1000. This results in a fine gold weight of 37.53 grams.

With a diameter of 46 millimeters, this issue is among the largest modern gold coins issued by Panama. The large format provides ample space for the detailed depiction of Balboa and the national coat of arms.

Minted by the Franklin Mint

The coin was minted by the Franklin Mint. This American mint produced numerous high-quality commemorative coins for Panama and other Central American and Caribbean countries in the 1970s.

The coin was produced in proof quality. Reflective fields and frosted design elements create the contrast characteristic of high-quality collector coins.

PCGS PR70 Deep Cameo

PCGS rated this specimen PR70 Deep Cameo .

PR70 is the highest possible rating on the PCGS scale. It denotes a proof strike where no defects resulting from the manufacturing process are visible, even under magnification.

The term “Deep Cameo” confirms the particularly strong contrast between the reflective fields and the matte motifs. This contrast is clearly evident in both the depiction of Vasco Núñez de Balboa and the finely detailed coat of arms.

An extraordinary gold coin from Panama

This 500 Balboas issue combines a high gold weight with a significant historical theme, an elaborate proof strike, and the perfect PCGS PR70 Deep Cameo grade.

This makes the coin appealing to both collectors of modern gold coins from Panama and enthusiasts of rare Latin American large gold coins.

Technical Overview

Country of issue: Panama

Year of publication: 1975

Mint mark: FM

Face value: 500 Balboas

Occasion: 500th anniversary of the birth of Vasco Núñez de Balboa

Metal: Gold

Fineness: 900/1000

Gross weight: 41.7 g

Fine gold weight: 37.53 g

Diameter: 46 mm

Minting quality: Proof

Mint: Franklin Mint

Certification: PCGS PR70 Deep Cameo

PCGS number: 388875

PCGS certificate number: 64222845

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