Released 7/10/2000

1924 5 bolivares Venezuela. 25 gr. 90% silver The size of a U.S. silver dollar, 500,000 were actually minted in Philadelphia, U.S.A... The bolivar is divided in 100 cents and has been the Venezuelan monetary unit since 1823. The obverse shows Simon Bolivar and the message "BOLIVAR LIBERATOR".  He liberated Venezuela, New Granada (today's Colombia and Panama), Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. He achieved the creation of the Republic of Colombia and had become its president, as well as dictator of Peru. Bolívar died on the way to Cartagena on December 17, 1830, at the age of 47. The reverse has the Venezuelan coat of arms with the message "United States of Venezuela". The coat of arms is divided in three parts; the top left has 20 branches representing the original 20 states. The top right with the swords and guns represent the triumph over the enemies. The horse represents Liberty.  To the sides are an olive branch (for peace) and a palm branch (for victory). The first decisive attempt by a Spanish American colony to gain independence from Spain was made by Venezuela, issuing a formal declaration of independence on July 5, 1811. But it wasn't until June 24, 1821, that the Spanish army was decisively beaten in Venezuela at the Battle of Carabobo, assuring the independence of the new nation.