What is a Balboa coin?
Christopher Davis
Updated on April 11, 2026
The Panamanian balboa (PAB) is the national currency of the Republic of Panama, which circulates alongside the U.S. dollar (USD), to which the PAB is pegged at par (1:1). Balboas are issued only in coin form and are subdivided into 100 centésimos.
What Balboa coins are silver?
Panama Silver Coin Value Calculator
| Coin Type | Minted | Silver / Coin (Oz) |
|---|---|---|
| 1/10 Balboa | 1930-1947, 1953, 1961-62 | 0.0723 |
| 1/4 Balboa | 1930-1947, 1953, 1961-62 | 0.1447 |
| 1/2 Balboa (90%) | 1930-1962 | 0.3617 |
| 1/2 Balboa (40%) | 1966-1972 | 0.1608 |
Does Panama use US dollars?
In addition to its Panamanian balboa, Panama accepts the U.S. dollar “at par” (a rate of 1:1). This means that travelers don’t have to worry about exchanging money in foreign airports or dealing with fluctuating exchange rates—making Panama an economical destination, at least for now.
Why does Panama use the US dollar?
Why does Panama use the US dollar for its currency? It’s so that Panama can benefit from the stability of the US dollar, as the backbone of the global financial system. For instance, this means that Panama doesn’t have to worry about out-of-control inflation, as a result of changing exchange rates.
Are there any coins that are the same size as a Balboa?
Modern 1-, 5-centésimo, 1⁄10 -, 1⁄4 -, and 1⁄2 -balboa coins are the same weight, dimensions, and composition as the U.S. cent, nickel, dime, quarter, and half dollar, respectively. In 2011, new 1-balboa bimetallic coins were issued that are the same dimensions as the U.S. dollar coin .
What is the value of a 1964 Balboa coin?
Values depend on grade but these often trade near silver bullion value in the market. 1 Balboa – approximately US $13. The above prices are for average circulated pieces dated 1964 and before. After 1964, only half balboa’s contained silver but at a lower fineness (40% instead of 90%) until 1970.
What’s the value of a post 1972 Balboa coin?
Post 1972 1/2 balboas are made of copper nickel and have no silver value. To find the base value of your 1/10, 1/4, or 1/2 balboa silver coin, multiply the ounces of silver it contains by the current spot value of silver found at web sites like kitco.com.
How much is a 1776 proof half dollar worth?
The 1776-1976 S proof half dollar is worth around $4 in PR 65 condition. This coin is worth at least its weight in silver. The silver melt value for this coin is $3.88 as of April 28, 2021. This melt value is calculated from the current silver spot price of $26.25 per ounce.
