Owner Comments:
El Salvador 1943 One Centavo (KM #135.1) - Mintage: 5,000,000 (struck in 1944)
This coin bears the image of Francisco Morazán, who was Head of State in El Salvador for less than a year from July 13, 1839 to March 18, 1840. This in and of itself would not seem significant, however Francisco Morazán was also the Head of State of Honduras (1827-1830), President of the Central American Federation from 1830-1839, and Head of State of Costa Rica (1842-1842). Morazán became a martyr and a symbol of the Republic of Central America when he was executed on September 15, 1842, for attempting to restore the union. El Salvador was one of the first countries to pay tribute to Morazán, and his image appears on much of their coinage.
This coin was minted by the San Francisco Mint in 95% copper and 5% zinc for circulation in El Salvador. Despite the date on the coin, it was struck in 1944. This particular coin was graded MS64RB, which is about the best one could hope for. It is however the finest known NGC specimen. It is also the only NGC graded specimen. Top Pop at least for now.
Date acquired: 1/1/2009 (raw coin)
Date graded: 8/19/2022 (self submitted to NGC)
Rev. 10/21/2022