Peru 1 and 2 Centavos 1863 to 1949

Peru issued these copper-based coins in both one (1, un) and two (2, dos) centavo denominations for almost 100 years, 1863 to 1949. In general, the older coins are worth more that modern coins due to age and scarcity. In 1950 the same patterns were used, but the coins were minted in zinc instead of copper. Circulated zinc coins are worth less than $1 US dollar.

Our picture comes from respected eBay seller sivesacoins in Germany. It is a valuable coin due to its age and its nice condition. Coins which are newer and do not look as nice are worth far less to collectors than this one.

CoinQuest thanks sivesacoins for use of their coin photo. It's a beauty!

As far as catalog values go, here are the statistics for 1 and 2 centavos from Peru:

1 CENTAVO (19 mm diameter) BEFORE 1944
worn: $1 US dollars catalog value
average circulated: $3
well preserved: $8
fully uncirculated (like our picture): $25
coins dated 1878: multiply these values by 5
coins dated 1919: divide these values by 2

1 CENTAVO AFTER 1943
circulated: $1
fully uncirculated: $6

2 CENTAVO (25 mm diameter) BEFORE 1941
worn: $2 US dollars catalog value
average circulated: $4
well preserved: $10
fully uncirculated (like our picture): $35
coins dated 1895 and 1919: divide these values by 2

2 CENTAVO AFTER 1940
circulated: $2
fully uncirculated: $8

All the values quoted on this page are catalog values. Use our Important Terminology link to properly convert these values to actual buy and sell values.
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