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| Costa Rica 2 Colones Gold Coin, Christopher Columbus |
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| Collecting Gold Coins |
This type was struck for Costa Rica in 1897, 1900 and 1915-26. A similar design featuring the bust of Christopher Columbus appeared on the gold five, ten and twenty colones.
Obverse: Bust of Christopher Columbus right.
Legend: AMERICA CENTRAL . DOS COLONES .
Reverse: Coat of arms of Costa Rica (three mountains or vulcanos between two sailships at sea, rising sun in background).
Legend: RPUBLICA DE COSTA RICA . 1900 .
Mint Place: San José, Mintage: 45,000 pcs
Reference: Friedberg 22, KM-139.
Diameter: 14 mm
Weight: 1.55 gram of Gold (.900) .0450 oz. AGW
Costa Rica was visited by Columbus on his fourth voyage in 1502. The native Carib Indians greeted his arrival warmly. Little did they know that between smallpox and forced labor and conversion to Catholicism, 98 % of them would die. The Caribs had gold earrings and bracelets, which helped coin the phrase Costa Rica, or wealthy coast.