Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 1/2 Peso 1989-1990, KM# 73, Dominican Republic, Native Culture
  • 1/2 Peso 1989-1990, KM# 73, Dominican Republic, Native Culture
Obverse

Name of the country, national coat of arms, year of issue.

The coat of arms of the Dominican Republic features a shield, supported by a bay laurel branch (left) and a palm frond (right); above the shield, a ribbon displays the national motto: Dios, Patria, Libertad (God, Homeland, Liberty). Below the shield, the words República Dominicana appear on a ribbon. In the center of the shield, flanked by six spears (three on each side), the front four holding the national flag, is a Catholic Bible with a small cross above it.

The constitution dictates that the Bible be opened to the book of the New Testament, John 8:32, which reads "conocerán la verdad, y la verdad los hará libres", literal translation: "know the truth and the truth will set you free".

★ REPUBLICA DOMINICANA ★
DIOS PATRIA LIBERTAD
REPUBLICA DOMINICANA
1989

Reverse

Depicts the monument "Faro a Colón" ("Columbus Lighthouse"), value "Half peso" above.

Columbus Lighthouse is a monument located in Santo Domingo Este, Dominican Republic, in tribute to Christopher Columbus. Construction began in 1986 using plans drawn by Scottish architect J.L. Gleave in 1931, in time for the 500th anniversary of the Discovery of America, the monument was inaugurated in 1992. The monument's lighthouse-style features projecting beams of light, forming a cross shape, which are so powerful they can be seen from neighboring Puerto Rico. Containing what are purported to be the remains of Columbus, the monument is both a mausoleum and a museum showcasing objects including a boat from Cuba and Columbian jewelry. Constructed of concrete, the monument is 680 feet (210 m) long. Its architecture is cross-shaped and represents the Christianization of America.

MEDIO PESO
FARO A COLON

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Nickel Clad Steel
Weight 11.35 g
Diameter 30.55 mm
Thickness 2.3 mm
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Alt # KM# 73.1, KM# 73.2
Mint
Royal Canadian Mint (RCM)

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