CVC & Collectables presents this 1876 Bolivia 5 Centavos is a privately issued merchant token from Cochabamba, attributed to Daniel M. Quiroga and cataloged as COC-11. Denominated at 5 Centavos, the piece reflects the use of locally produced merchant and commercial tokens in 19th-century Bolivia. This exceptionally preserved example is certified NGC MS65.
Coin Highlights:
- Country: Bolivia
- Date: 1876
- Denomination: 5 Centavos
- Location: Cochabamba
- Issuer: Daniel M. Quiroga
- Catalog Number: COC-11
- Type: Merchant / Trade Token
- Grade: NGC MS65
- Obverse: Features a central pedestal or monument topped by a bird, surrounded by the inscription identifying the Departamento de Cochabamba.
- Reverse: Displays CINCO CENTAVOS within a decorative wreath, with additional issuer-related lettering around the border.
- Certification: Professionally authenticated and graded MS65 by NGC.
Design & Devices
The obverse features a finely rendered central monument or pedestal surmounted by a bird, framed by a circular inscription referencing Cochabamba. The reverse places the 5 Centavos denomination prominently within an ornamental wreath, giving the small token an unusually detailed appearance.
The personalized attribution to Daniel M. Quiroga distinguishes this piece from Bolivia’s regular government-issued circulating coinage and connects it directly with Cochabamba’s 19th-century commercial history.
Historical Significance
Privately issued tokens served an important role in many Latin American economies during the 19th century. Merchants, estates, businesses, and other private issuers could produce denominated pieces for use in local commerce, particularly where suitable small-denomination government coinage was limited.
This 1876 Cochabamba 5 Centavos survives as a tangible artifact of that localized monetary system and offers collectors a different perspective on Bolivian economic history beyond the country’s regular national coinage.
Collectibility
Bolivian merchant tokens are specialized pieces of Latin American exonumia, with individual issuers and regional attributions providing numerous varieties for collectors. The COC-11 Daniel M. Quiroga attribution, Cochabamba origin, and outstanding NGC MS65 grade make this a particularly well-preserved example. Find more alike here!
