Cuba 1916 Gold 10 Pesos AU-UNC (AU55) mark

Cuba 1916 Gold 10 Pesos AU-UNC (AU55) mark

Weighing just over 15 grams, this gold 10 peso coin was struck by the United States Mint for the newly created Republic of Cuba.  Formed in 1902 following American military occupation, the minting of coinage was an important step forward for the young republic.  The obverse of the 10 peso coin features a bust of Cuban political activist, revolutionary, and national hero José Martí, who fought for Cuban independence from the Spanish Empire throughout the 19th century.  The inscription reads "PATRIA Y LIBERTAD" -- fatherland and liberty.  The obverse is dominated by the Cuban Coat of Arms.