THE COAT OF ARMS OF THE STATE OF COSTA RICA (1840) ON THE 1000 COLONES BILL (2009)

Abstract

In mid 2011 the new 1000 colones bill was released into circulation with the portrait of Braulio Carrillo (Chief of State, 1835-37 / 1838-42), and an interpretation of the coat of arms of the State of Costa Rica (1840). In this paper we propose another design for the elements of the coat of arms based on information from numismatics and documents. The six pointed star of the first (1823) flag of Costa Rica, also engraved in coins in 1841 and 1842, was the proper design for the national symbol rather than the eight pointed star which was stamped in legal papers at that time and used in designs of the coat of arms after 1940. At the base of the coat of arms is a branch of myrtle (Myrtus communis) and a frond of the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera), which were also the proper symbols. The star and plants conveyed this message: Costa Rica, an independent (the star) and sovereign (radiating star) State, growing in peace (the myrtle), with strength and righteousness (the palm).