Obverse. Photo © Atlas Numismatics
  • 5 Centimes 1863, KM# 39, Haiti
  • 5 Centimes 1863, KM# 39, Haiti
Obverse

Head left within beaded circle, date flanked by stars below.

Guillaume Fabre Nicolas Geffrard (1806–1878) was a mulatto general in the Haitian army and President of Haiti from 1859 until his deposition in 1867. After collaborating in a coup to remove Faustin Soulouque from power in order to return Haiti back to the social and political control of the colored elite, Geffrard was made president in 1859. To placate the peasants he renewed the practice of selling state-owned lands and ended a schism with the Roman Catholic Church which then took on an important role in improving education. After surviving several rebellions, he was overthrown by Major Sylvain Salnave in 1867.

GEFFRARD PRÉSIDENT
HEATON
⋆ 1863 ⋆

Reverse

National arms within beaded circle surrounded by the country name above and the denomination (Five centimes) flanked by stars below.

The coat of arms of Haiti was originally introduced in 1807. It shows six draped flags of the country, three on each side, which are located before a palm tree and cannons on a green lawn. On the lawn various items are found, such as a drum, bugles, long guns, and ship anchors. Above the palm tree, there is a Phrygian cap placed as a symbol of freedom.

REPUBLIQUE D'HAITI
⋆ CINQ CENTIMES ⋆

Edge

5 Centimes

KM# 39
Characteristics
Material Bronze
Weight 2 g
Diameter 18 mm
Thickness 1 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Heaton Mint, Birmingham (H)

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