Chile 5-PESOS (KM180)

The Andean Condor is a new-world vulture and are related to storks, but not closely related to old-world vultures (which include hawks and eagles). It is difficult to not call them ugly, but they have a good reason for looking that way. The Andean Condor is huge, with male wingspans up to 3 m (10 feet). They can fly up to 5.5 km (3.5 miles) high. Wow. The Andean Condor is a national symbol of Chile.

Chile's "old peso" lasted from 1817 to 1959. The condor took several forms during this period, but the 5- and 10-peso (½ and 1 condor) coins of 1956 are the first time the bird takes flight. This 5-peso (½-condor) coin was minted in 1956 only.

Thanks to Marilynn for donating this coin!