Since 1925 the Quetzal has been Guatemala's unit of currency (100 centavos = 1 quetzal), and the Resplendent Quetzal is Guatemala's national bird.
This is the "original" species of Quetzal, first described in 1832, but today the name applies to five different species. A very colourful, largish bird, the Resplendent Quetzal is important in Mesoamerican mythologies.
This well-used brass coin passed through many hands from its issue in 1944 and its de-monetization in 1997.
All coin images in Daniel's Coin Zoo are from my personal collection. I collect, research, and personally photograph every coin displayed on this site. PLEASE do not take my images without permission. If you would like to use any coin image you see, just ask me. Thank you.