How to Identify the Cuba 4 Pesos Gold Jose Marti
A visual guide to Cuba's classic 4 Pesos gold coin from the early Republic's national gold series, identified by its coat-of-arms obverse, star reverse, and small size.
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What It Is
The 4 Pesos gold coin belongs to Cuba's first Republic-era national gold series, struck in the mid-1910s alongside companion denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 pesos. It is commonly linked in popular naming with José Martí, the Cuban independence hero, reflecting the coin's association with the ideals of Cuban sovereignty celebrated in this coinage era; the design itself, however, follows the same national-symbol pattern used across the whole series rather than a personal portrait.
Obverse Design
The obverse shows Cuba's national coat of arms: a shield bearing a key and a landscape with a rising sun, flanked by a bundle of rods (fasces) and topped with a Phrygian liberty cap, surrounded by the legend "REPUBLICA DE CUBA" and the date.
Reverse Design
The reverse carries a single large five-pointed star, matching the design used on Cuba's silver "Star Peso" coinage, along with the denomination "4 PESOS" spelled out around the star.
Size, Weight, Metal, and Edge
As a mid-range denomination in the series, the 4 Pesos gold coin is a small coin appropriate to its face value, struck in high-fineness gold. The edge is typically reeded. Because the series includes several closely related denominations of different sizes, always check the denomination text rather than relying on size alone if comparing against reference images.
Mint Marks
This series was struck under contract at U.S. mints, so look for any small identifying mark near the rim consistent with the minting practices of that period and location.
Telling It Apart From Similar Coins
Because all denominations in this series share the same coat-of-arms-and-star design, the 4 Pesos is distinguished from its siblings (1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 pesos) mainly by its size and the denomination spelled out on the reverse—always read the numeral and word "PESOS" carefully rather than judging by appearance alone.
Judging Condition
Examine the fine details of the coat of arms, especially the liberty cap and shield engraving, along with the star's points on the reverse. Sharp, unworn details in these areas indicate a coin with minimal circulation.
Authenticity Red Flags
Given its gold content, this coin is a target for counterfeiting. Check for correct weight and diameter for the stated denomination, a color and luster consistent with genuine gold rather than a brassy or artificial sheen, and sharply struck details rather than the soft, mushy look typical of cast fakes.
Frequently asked questions
Does this coin actually show a portrait of Jose Marti?
No. Despite the popular name, the design shows Cuba's national coat of arms on the obverse and a single star on the reverse, the same pattern used across the whole 1910s gold series, rather than a personal portrait.
How do I tell a 4 Pesos gold coin apart from other denominations in the series?
All denominations share the same coat-of-arms-and-star design, so compare the coin's size and read the denomination spelled out on the reverse to confirm which one you have.
What metal is this coin made of?
It is struck in high-fineness gold, consistent with Cuba's early Republic national gold coinage series.
Where was this coin produced?
Cuba's gold coinage of this era was struck under contract at U.S. mints rather than domestically.