The Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR) announced that starting next Monday, May 26, 2025, 10,000 acrylic collector coins and 7,000 in cases will go on sale. These coins correspond to the 50-centimeter denomination and are the third to feature a design highlighting the fauna of the country’s ecosystems.
This time, they will feature the hawksbill turtle, an animal that grows to 90 centimeters long and weighs up to 75 kilograms. This species can be found along the warm and temperate coasts of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans, as well as in the Caribbean Sea. In Costa Rica, it is found on both coasts.
The reverse of the coin reads “Coral Reef” and the scientific name of the hawksbill turtle, “Eretmochelys imbricata.” The turtle is placed on the coin over a portion of the coral reef map. The year the design was approved, 2023, can also be read.
Meanwhile, the legends “República de Costa Rica” and “Banco Central de Costa Rica” stand out at the top of the coin’s obverse. At the bottom, three raised bars are located that make it easy to recognize by touch. In both versions, the coin will cost ¢8,650.
The BCCR also announced that the regular ¢50 coin will begin circulation on May 26th. This coin, which will not display colors in its design and is therefore not a collector’s item, has a face value of ¢50.
Where can I get them?
According to the Central Bank, each financial institution has been allocated a specific amount of the new ¢50 coin based on their requirements. Furthermore, these entities are the ones that determine the specific points of sale where they will sell the currency.
This is the list of entities that will sell the currency and the available quantities:
Banco de Costa Rica: 3.150
Banco Nacional: 2.500
Banco Popular y de Desarrollo Comunal: 1.200
BAC Credomatic: 1.050
Banco Promérica: 300
Scotiabank Costa Rica: 250
Grupo Mutual Alajuela La Vivienda: 1.400
Mutual Cartago de Ahorro y Préstamo: 850
Coopegrecia R.L.: 1.100
Coopeande R.L.: 1.000
Coopesanramón R.L.: 550
Coopenae R.L.: 500
Coopecar R.L: 300
Asociación Numismática Costarricense: 1.000
Coopealianza R.L.: 500
Coopeande R.L.: 1.000
Museos del Banco Central de Costa Rica: 375
