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Obverse of 1975 Mozambique 1 Centimo
Obverse of 1975 Mozambique 1 Centimo

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Reverse of 1975 Mozambique 1 Centimo
Reverse of 1975 Mozambique 1 Centimo

Mozambique 1 Centimo
This diminutive and insignificant coin is actually a great rarity. Mozambique became independent on 25th June 1975 under President Chissano, and became a republic in 1990. For whatever reason, it appears that the new coinage issue produced for independence in 1975 never entered circulation. There was a series of eight coin denominations produced, from 1 centimo up to 2.5 Meticas (100 centimos = 1 metica). In Krause's excellent Catalogue of World Coins, prices are shown for XF (EF) and Uncirculated grades. These prices range from $50 in XF to $250 in Uncirculated, and there are no entiries for VF or lower graded coins, which strongly suggests that they are never seen in the lower grades, and therefore that they never entered circulation. We have been informed by other dealers that all, or almost all, of the issues were melted down, and it would appear that this was the fate of the whole issue.
We believe the entire issue was struck at the Birmingham Mint.

Description
The obverse shows the portrait facing right of (presumably) President Joaquim Chissano, and the legend REPUBLICA POPULAR DE MOÇAMBIQUE 1975. The reverse has a flower, sorry we don't know yet what it is, and the legend "1 centimo", unusually this is in lower case, most coin inscriptions are in capitals.
Because these coins are in aluminium, none will be brilliant, because aluminium oxidises readily to from a somewhat dull but stable layer of toning.
We believe the flower shown may be a eucalyptus or possibly a knapweed.

Specifications
DenominationDiameterWeightAlloy
1 Centimo15.6 mms0.4880 gramsAluminium

Value
An accurate value for this sort of coin is difficult is determine. The mintage figure in itself would suggest a very modest value, perhaps up to $10 or £10, but the fact that most were melted lifts the value much higher. If this was a US coin, it would undoubtedly trade at thousands of dollars, possibly more. Krause lists them as $225 in Uncirculated, $125 in XF, with no prices shown for BU (none will be bright), or for grades from VF downwards. As stated above, this is almost certainly because they are never seen in lower grades becasue none have ever entered circulation.
It is difficult to know how many may have escaped the melting pot. We have noticed a number of these coins being offered elsewhere recently. Because the Birmingham Mint recently (March 2003) went into liquidation after 209 years in business, it is possible that this has caused a small batch of them to find their way onto the market; if so, then prices may rise when the current batch gets absorbed.
We may regret selling these if we see these coins selling for ten times the price in a few years.

Prices & Availability
DateDenominationMintageGradeAvailPrice £Price US$Price €
197510 Centimo15,050,000*UncirculatedYes£395$695Price €595

* = Most probably melted down.

Postage & Packing:
UK: At buyer's Risk £2.50 or
Fully Insured £6 (Usually by Royal Mail Special Delivery)
USA: Airmail at buyer's risk $10 or
Fully Insured $20
For further details, please see our Postage & Packing page.

Order Form - UK

Order Form - USA


Order Form - UK
Order Form - USA
Order Form - EU
Order Form - Rest of World

Coins Wanted
We make an active market in almost all world coins, gold or otherwise, including Mozambique coins. If you have any of these coins to sell, please contact us, or post them to us for appraisal and offer.

...at the Official Issue Prices

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