Colombia Leper 2 Centavos

Leper colony coinage in Colombia circulated only in the country’s three government backed quarantine stations over fears that using regular coins could spread the infection to others outside. These 2 centavo coins, which we can offer in Very Fine condition, were minted in 1921. On the obverse they have a stylised cross with the word “LAZARETO” (the Spanish word for a quarantine station), while the obverse has the date and the denomination within a wreath. These special stations were closed in the 1950s and the inmates were allowed to exchange them for regular coinage at any bank.