2007 Costa Rica 100 Colones Coin

This is a circular coin from the Republic of Costa Rica, specifically a 100 Colones denomination minted in 2007. The coin is composed of a brass-plated steel or similar copper-alloy base, exhibiting a warm, brownish-gold metallic luster. On the obverse side shown, the central design features the national coat of arms of Costa Rica, which includes three volcanoes and two merchant ships sailing on opposing oceans, symbolizing the country's location between the Pacific and Caribbean. The inscription 'REPUBLICA DE COSTA RICA' arcs around the right and bottom edges, while the mint year '2007' is centered at the top. The edge of the coin appears to be reeded. In terms of condition, the coin shows signs of moderate circulation; there are visible surface abrasions, minor scratches, and a buildup of dark patina in the recessed areas of the design. The strike remains relatively sharp with clear text, though the finer details of the volcanoes and ships show some flattening from wear. No significant gouges or structural damage are present, making it a typical example of modern circulated Central American currency.

I have examined the images of this 2007 Costa Rica 100 Colones coin. The piece is composed of brass-plated steel and exhibits the standard national coat of arms on the obverse. My physical assessment of the visual data suggests a grade of Very Fine (VF) to Extremely Fine (XF) in terms of circulation wear. While the strike remains legible, the presence of surface abrasions, localized 'bag marks,' and dark oxidation in the recesses are consistent with a coin that has seen heavy daily use in the Costa Rican economy. From a numismatic perspective, this is a high-mintage, modern circulation strike with no significant rarity. The current exchange rate for 100 Colones is approximately $0.19 USD. In the secondary collectors' market, these coins typically trade for a small premium over face value to cover handling, usually between $0.20 and $0.50. There is currently no significant demand for this specific date and denomination unless it were in an 'uncirculated' (MS-60 or higher) state. Limitations: My assessment is based solely on digital images. I cannot perform a weight-specification test or a magnet test to confirm the steel core composition. Complete authentication would require a physical inspection to verify the diameter (23.5mm), weight (5.6g), and specific gravity, as well as to check for any sophisticated modern counterfeiting markers. Provenance documentation is not required for a common-date circulation coin of this type, but a physical examination would definitively rule out surface cleaning or chemical alterations that are sometimes obscured in photographs.