10 Centavos (1944) - Dominican Republic

I just finished a really chunky silver order, it's been a while since I ordered so many items in one go! Can't wait to show you what I'll be getting in a couple weeks 😎

In the meantime, let's have a more thorough look on one of my recent additions

A 10 centavos from the Dominican Republic, minted in 1944.

As you can see my coin is not in the brightest condition. Here's how the head would look like if it was in better condition

source

Around the Indian girl, the coin reads "10 CENTAVOS 2 1/2 GRAMOS 1956 LIBERTAD" for "10 centavos 2.5 grams Liberty". I really like the rare occasion when coins write their own weight, like in this case :)

Now let's turn it around

Here we have the country's coat of arms. Pretty cool if you ask me!

public domain

What immediately drew my attention is the book in the middle of the shield. After a bit of googling I found it's a Bible opened to John: 8:31–32 with a small golden cross above it.

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” source

I asked chatgbt why this verse is important for the Dominican Republic, here's what it had to say

John 8:31-32 is a well-known Bible verse that reads: "Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, 'If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.'"

In the Dominican Republic, this verse is often associated with the country's struggle for independence from Spain in the 19th century, as well as with the broader struggle for freedom and democracy in the country's history.

The phrase "la verdad nos hará libre" (the truth shall make us free), which is derived from the second part of this verse, has become a widely used saying in the Dominican Republic and is often invoked in political speeches and social movements.

Additionally, the verse is often cited in Christian churches and religious contexts as a call to follow Jesus and seek the truth in his teachings. It is seen as a message of hope and liberation, encouraging people to live by God's word and seek freedom from sin and oppression.

Overall, John 8:31-32 has become an important cultural and religious symbol in the Dominican Republic, representing the country's struggle for freedom and its people's faith in the power of truth and justice.

Thanks ai 😍

Ok, I think we have this side covered.

Nothing special on the edge of the coin. It's really slim to fit anything anyways

And as always, a comparison photo with a standard euro coin

Purity wise, we have 2.5 g of 0.900 silver. I guess enough for a steak in a post-apocalyptic scenario as my friend Hive account@kerrislravenhill would say! Or at least a salad 😂

Anyways, hope you enjoyed the post! It's pretty interesting what you can learn about a far off land from a coin and some internet access!