Abstract: The coins of Costa Rica include a variety of plant illustrations. The first coin of Costa Rica, a gold half escudo (1825), features a palm tree. Palm branches were frequently used as wreaths in coins. Palm and myrtle (Myrtus communis) branches were also used tied as a wreath encircling the coin value, or under the coat of arms, or both. The palm tree traditionally engraved in many coins since phoenician times is the date palm, Phoenix dactylifera, with attached symbolic attributes like rectitude, strength, and usefulness. The palm branch was a ...
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