| Obverse Design | The legend "VALE AL PORTADOR" which translates to "VALUE TO THE BEARER" curves along the top. The legend "J. SUCRE" curves along the bottom. Between the top and bottom legends are dot dividers on either side. In the upper center of the token is a large "5¢". The cent sign is above the curve of the "5". Below the "5¢" horizontally across the token is the legend "COLON". The token has denticles along the edge and a smooth plain raised edge. | ||||
| Reverse Design | Same as the obverse. There are some small spacing differences, but otherwise the front and back are identical. | ||||
| Metal | White metal, probably copper-nickel. | Weight | 3.20 grams. | Size and Shape | Round, 19 mm in diameter. |
| Dates Issued | Unknown. Perhaps issued in the 1880's. | ||||
| Issurer | J. Sucre. | ||||
| Mintage | Unknown. | ||||
| Rarity | Scarce. | Manufacturer | Unknown. | Other Catalog Numbers | Asociación Numismático's F-190 (photo), Conte Porras page #100, Henkle's Colon #35 (photo), Henao's COM 316-1a, Plumer page #6, Rulau's Col 67 (photo) and Schimmel #20. |
| Varieties | There are two known varieties. One has a blank reverse and the other has the same design on both sides. | ||||
| Function | Merchant token. | ||||
| Population Count |
Nine specimens are known to me in collector hands. Recent sales are as follows:
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| Notes | Colon was founded by the Panama Railroad Company in 1850 as the Atlantic terminus of the Panama Railroad. Later, Colon became the Atlantic terminus of the Panama Canal. The 1880's were a boom-time for Colon as the French attempt to build the Panama Canal was underway. | ||||
| Notas Históricas |
J. Sucre era el dueño de algún establecimiento de comercio de Colón, en el estado de Panamá. |
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From Real Photo Post Card (unlabeled).