Lot #664: Cuba 1995 Three Pesos Coin - Ernesto "Che" Guevara - "Guerrillero Heroico" - Korda - Phrygian Cap - "PATRIA O MUERTE" ("Fatherland or Death")

Obverse: Features the Coat of Arms of Cuba. An oak branch and a laurel branch support a shield. The shield features a golden key (symbolizing Cuba's position as the "Key to the Gulf") between two capes, and the rising sun of a new republic. Topping the coat of arms is the Phrygian Cap (Liberty Cap) with a single star (similar to the "Libertad" cap on the 1895 Argentina Two Centavos coin offered as Lot #657). Lettering: "REPUBLICA DE CUBA" and the denomination in words, "TRES PESOS" ("Three Pesos") Reverse: Features Che Guevara in his beret with a single star, looking toward the horizon, in the world-famous "Guerrillero Heroico" portrait based on the 1960 photograph by Alberto Korda. Inscribed at the top is the motto "PATRIA O MUERTE" ("Fatherland or Death"), a phrase first popularized by Fidel Castro. The Date "1995" is positioned at the bottom. The Cuba 1995 Three Pesos is one of the most recognizable coins in modern numismatics. While it is technically a circulating commemorative, it functions as a standard unit of the Cuban Peso (CUP). It is famous for featuring the iconic portrait of Ernesto "Che" Guevara, arguably the most reproduced image in the history of photography. This coins was minted by the Empresa Cubana de Acuñaciones in Havana. While 3-unit denominations are rare in most countries, they are a standard part of the Cuban system (alongside the 3 Peso banknote, which also features Che). Cuba specifically chose the 3 Peso denomination for Che Guevara to ensure he appeared on a unique denomination that stood out from the rest of the currency. It has become a must-have for anyone collecting Latin American history. Collector demand for the "Che Coin" keeps the market price high. Dimensions: Nickel Plated Steel 26.5 mm. 8 g Pickup category timeslot {A}