This is the fifth collectible ₡25 coin in the series issued by the Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR), this time honoring the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, the country’s main Catholic shrine and a symbol of the province of Cartago. The reverse of the coin features the inscriptions “Province of Cartago,” “Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels,” and “2023,” accompanied by a depiction of the basilica, highlighting its historical and religious significance. The coin also honors the tradition of the annual pilgrimage (romería), one of the most important expressions of faith in Costa Rica.

Features, Price, and Presentations

The BCCR announced that 10,000 coins were minted in acrylic presentation and 7,000 in a case, all priced at ₡9,050 per unit regardless of the type of packaging. These coins will be sold exclusively through financial institutions authorized by the Central Bank, which will receive defined quantities according to their requirements. The obverse bears the inscriptions “Republic of Costa Rica” and “Central Bank of Costa Rica,” along with two raised bars at the bottom to facilitate tactile recognition, with a smooth edge.

Purchase Limits and Distribution

To make it easier for more people to acquire the coin, the Central Bank established a maximum of two coins per person, regardless of whether the acrylic or case presentation is chosen. Each financial institution will decide at which branches or service points the coin will be offered and how many units of each presentation will be available at each location. The BCCR emphasizes that this is a limited edition and recommends that interested individuals inquire directly with their preferred financial institution.

Regular Circulation ₡25 Coin

In addition to the collectible piece, the Central Bank will put into circulation a regular-use ₡25 coin without color application, which will serve as a means of payment throughout the country. Distribution of this coin will also begin on March 25 through the institutions of the national financial system, which channel the requirements of individuals and businesses. As part of the process of replacing the previous design, the BCCR urges the public to facilitate the circulation of the new coins in order to gradually normalize the availability of this denomination.

Official Sources

• Press release from the Central Bank of Costa Rica on the ₡25 collectible coin honoring the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels and the new circulation coin.
• Information published by authorized financial institutions on their channels regarding points of sale and availability of the collectible coin.