Guatemala 1/4 quetzal silver coin, 1926, KM243

Description

.720 FINE SILVER 1926 QUARTER QUETZAL COIN from GUATEMALA, C. AM.
The quetzal is a fabulously beautiful trogon –shimmering metallic emerald green, bright red breast, and, in the case of the males, possessed of four special tail plumes up to several feet long-- found in cloud forest habitat in Central America.
According to legend the bird cannot live in captivity, so this “Bird of Liberty” was adopted by Guatemala as its national symbol, and the national currency is the Quetzal.
This one quarter quetzal coin, issued in 1926 under the Law of 26 of November 1924, shows some wear, but is nonetheless a good example of the issue.
The obverse features a long tailed male quetzal perched on a column, the words “LEY DE 26 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 1924” and the denomination “1/4 QUETZAL”.
The reverse features the
escudo nacional
(coat of arms) of the Republic of Guatemala and the mint date 1926.
The edge still clearly features the incised words “REPUBLICA DE GUATEMALA AMERICA CENTRAL” so you can see that the wear on the coin is not excessive.
According to information on line, the coin measures 27 mm, weights 8.2 grams, and is .720 fine silver. KM 243.
The coin pictured here is the very coin you will receive if you are the high bidder.