The recent release of the fourth ₡25 collectible coin dedicated to El Fortín of Heredia marks another step forward in the official numismatic program led by the Banco Central de Costa Rica (BCCR). This initiative forms part of an institutional strategy aimed at strengthening cultural identity and placing into circulation coins that, beyond their face value, hold strong symbolic and heritage significance.
According to official information from the Central Bank, this coin belongs to the series “Sitios emblemáticos de nuestras provincias,” a program designed to represent the main historical, architectural, and natural landmarks of each province in the country.
Costa Rica’s Monetary System and the Role of the Central Bank
The Central Bank of Costa Rica is the institution responsible for the official issuance of the country’s banknotes and coins. The denominations currently in circulation include ¢1, ¢5, ¢10, ¢25, ¢50, ¢100, and ¢500, which serve everyday transactional purposes and incorporate specific security, relief, and metallic composition features.
In addition to circulation coins, the BCCR periodically issues commemorative and collectible coins. These pieces retain their nominal value but are produced in limited quantities and offered in special presentations, making them attractive to collectors and to those who value Costa Rican cultural heritage.
The “Sitios emblemáticos de nuestras provincias” Series
The ₡25 collectible coin series was approved by the Board of Directors of the Central Bank and developed in coordination with the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT), which participated in selecting representative sites from each province.
The program includes seven distinct designs, one for each province, each dedicated to an emblematic site of historical, cultural, or touristic importance:
Playa Manzanillo – Limón
El Faro – Puntarenas
Casona de Santa Rosa – Guanacaste
El Fortín – Heredia
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles – Cartago
Volcán Arenal – Alajuela
Teatro Nacional – San José
Each coin features the image of the selected site on the reverse, along with the name of the province and the landmark. The obverse maintains the standard institutional elements: the inscription “República de Costa Rica,” the name of the Central Bank, and the nominal value.
El Fortín de Heredia: Historical Symbol in the Fourth Issue
The fourth coin in the collection is dedicated to El Fortín, one of the most recognized symbols of Heredia province. Built in 1876 and declared a National Monument in 1974, El Fortín is a central element of Heredia’s urban memory and historical cityscape.
Its inclusion in the series reinforces the cultural focus of the collection, highlighting not only touristic destinations but also structures of deep historical significance to local communities.
Sales, Formats, and Availability
According to official information from the Central Bank, the collectible coins in this series are sold in two formats: individual acrylic capsule and special presentation case. Both versions have the same official price set by the BCCR and are subject to a purchase limit per person to ensure broader access.
Distribution is carried out through authorized financial institutions nationwide, which determine points of sale and availability. At the same time, a regular circulation version of the same design is gradually introduced into the financial system without special packaging.
Beyond the ₡25 Series: Other Commemorative Coins
The Central Bank has also developed other commemorative issues in different denominations, including ¢50 coins and additional special editions dedicated to biodiversity, national anniversaries, and representative national symbols.
Official Sources Consulted
- Central Bank of Costa Rica – “Banknotes and Coins” section and official press releases on numismatic issues
- Costa Rican Tourism Board – Institutional information on national emblematic sites
- Official press releases from the Central Bank regarding the “Sitios emblemáticos de nuestras provincias” series
