Costa Rica 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 Centavos (Wreath) 1865 to 1893

The first question you must ask about a Costa Rican early centavo coin is if it has a wreath on the reverse, or a tree. Both patterns were used during this time period. In general, the tree coins are more valuable than the wreath coins.

This page applies to wreath coins, as shown in the picture. For tree coins, click to this CoinQuest link.

Approximate catalog values for these coins run like this:

CENTAVO (copper nickel)
worn: $10
average circulated: $50
well preserved: $130
coins dated 1874 are more common, and are worth about 1/3 the values shown

5 CENTAVOS (silver)
worn: $2
average circulated: $5
well preserved: $25
fully uncirculated: $60

10 CENTAVOS (silver)
worn: $2
average circulated: $7
well preserved: $25
fully uncirculated: $60
coins dated 1886 and 1887 are more rare, and are worth about twice the values shown

25 CENTAVOS (silver)
worn: $3
average circulated: $6
well preserved: $20
fully uncirculated: $100
coins dated 1886 and 1887 are more rare, and are worth about twice the values shown

50 CENTAVOS (silver)
worn: $8
average circulated: $25
well preserved: $65
fully uncirculated: $250

All the values above are inflated catalog values. Click to our Important Terminology page to learn how to convert these catalog values to actual buy and sell values.
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