How to Identify the Cuba Peso 'Star' Silver (ABC Peso)
A visual guide to Cuba's silver 'Star' Peso, recognized by its national arms obverse, single five-pointed star reverse, and dollar-size silver specifications.
Read the full Cuba Peso 'Star' Silver (ABC Peso) encyclopedia entry →
What It Is
Cuba's early Republic-era silver peso coinage is often nicknamed the "Star Peso" for the prominent five-pointed star on its reverse, a design used across several years in the early-to-mid 20th century. The nickname "ABC Peso" links certain issues to the period of political turmoil in the 1930s, when the star motif carried symbolic weight tied to Cuban nationalism, though the basic star-and-arms design was used across a broader span of Cuban silver peso coinage.
Obverse Design
The obverse displays Cuba's national coat of arms, featuring a shield with a landscape and a rising sun, flanked by a bundle (fasces) and topped by a Phrygian liberty cap, with "REPUBLICA DE CUBA" and the date in the surrounding legend.
Reverse Design
The reverse is dominated by a single large five-pointed star set within a wreath or plain field, with the denomination "UN PESO" and the motto "PATRIA Y LIBERTAD" (Homeland and Liberty) worked into the design.
Size, Weight, Metal, and Edge
This coin was struck to match the size and weight of the U.S. silver dollar of the same era: about 38.1 mm in diameter and 26.73 grams, in 90% silver. The edge is reeded.
Mint Marks
Cuban peso coinage of this design was struck at U.S. mints under contract, so a small mintmark (or none at all) may appear on the coin consistent with U.S. mint practice of the period; check the base of the design near the rim.
Telling It Apart From Similar Coins
Because it shares its size and weight with the U.S. Morgan and Peace silver dollars, this coin is sometimes mistaken for American coinage at a glance. The single star reverse and Cuban coat of arms obverse are the clearest identifiers distinguishing it from any U.S. issue.
Judging Condition
Check the high points of the coat of arms, particularly the liberty cap and shield detail, along with the star's points on the reverse. A coin with crisp lines throughout and a fully legible motto is in notably better condition than one with softened, worn central devices.
Authenticity Red Flags
Watch for incorrect weight or diameter relative to the U.S. dollar-size standard this coin follows, a soft or blurred strike suggesting a cast copy, and star points that look rounded or indistinct rather than sharply defined. A magnetic response or a dull ring when gently spun on a hard surface both suggest the coin is not genuine silver.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called the 'Star Peso'?
Because of the large, single five-pointed star that dominates the reverse design of this Cuban silver peso.
Why is it also called the 'ABC Peso'?
The nickname ties certain issues to the political climate of 1930s Cuba, when the star symbol held nationalist significance, though the underlying star-and-arms design spans a broader range of years.
How big is this coin?
It matches U.S. silver dollar specifications: about 38.1 mm in diameter and 26.73 grams of 90% silver.
Where was this coin minted?
Cuban peso coinage of this era was struck under contract at U.S. mints, so U.S.-style mint marking conventions apply.