Haiti, 5 Centimes, 1997, AU

The 1997 Haitian 5 Centimes is part of the Third Republic's coinage system, issued during the final years of the Haitian Third Republic. The design features the bust of Charlemagne Péralte, a key figure in Haitian history, on the obverse, while the reverse shows the Haitian coat of arms. This coin was minted in nickel-plated steel, reflecting Haiti's late 20th-century coinage.

Obverse (Front)

The obverse features:

• The bust of Charlemagne Péralte, a Haitian revolutionary leader who opposed U.S. occupation in the early 20th century.
• The inscription "RÉPUBLIQUE D'HAÏTI" (Republic of Haiti) at the top, and the year 1997 at the bottom.
• The design was created to reflect the nation’s proud revolutionary heritage.

Reverse (Back)

The reverse displays:

• The coat of arms of Haiti, a symbol of national sovereignty, featuring a palm tree and a flag at the top.
• The inscription "LIBERTÉ - ÉGALITÉ - FRATERNITÉ" (Liberty, Equality, Brotherhood), Haiti’s national motto.
• The denomination "5" and "CENTIMES" below the coat of arms.

Specifications

• Composition: Nickel-Plated Steel
• Weight: 3.1 grams
• Diameter: 19.9 mm
• Thickness: 1.51 mm
• Shape: Round
• Edge: Plain
• Mint: Royal Mint (Llansant, United Kingdom)
• KM#154

Historical Context

• The 1997 Haitian 5 Centimes was part of a series of coins used during the Third Republic, which spanned from 1986 to 1997.
• The coin is representative of the political climate in Haiti during the late 20th century, including opposition to foreign occupation and the country’s ongoing effort for sovereignty.

Why Collect the 1997 Haiti 5 Centimes?

The 1997 Haiti 5 Centimes is a historically significant coin, featuring important national symbols and a prominent revolutionary figure. Its nickel-plated steel composition and unique design make it a valuable addition for numismatists interested in Caribbean or revolutionary coinage.