Temporary exhibition gallery

 

Plants and Animals in Costa Rican Numismatics

To help Costa Ricans recognize and appreciate the diverse flora and fauna pictured on our coins and bills, and understand why these images were used, is the primary aim of our new exhibition, Plants and Animals in Costa Rican Numismatics, on display in the Temporary Hall of the Numismatics Museum.

Some 90 objects dating from 1828 to the present time are on display in the exhibition – including not only coins and bills but also commemorative coins and coffee tokens.

The investigation was based on studies by biologists José Vargas and Jorge Gómez of the University of Costa Rica that have been underway for several years. According to Vargas, they have been able to clarify many questions as to the species represented.

The first part of the exhibition shows how land use was represented “from subsistence agriculture to the introduction of highly important crops for the country’s economy such as tobacco, coffee and banana, to ecotourism,” explains Chacón.

Later on, visitors can learn more about those universal symbols that, because of their meaning, were frequently used on our media of exchange. Among these images are those of the myrtle branch, acanthus leaf and laurel.

“Regional symbols have not been left out, such as the date palm, symbol of strength and rectitude, the silk cotton tree, used as a symbol of the Central American Federation, or oak leaves, probably representing hospitality,” comments  Chacón.

Visitors can also see how our national symbols were depicted, such as the ear pod or Guanacaste tree, or the purple orchid, and learn why these were used.

At the end of the exhibit animals have the starring role. Those visiting the exhibition will be able to see the difference between engravings of foreign species – including the lion and eagle – and local species such as the jaguar, giant anteater and green turtle.

Each thematic area has an education station with exercises to complement the topic, as well as an audio clip synthesizing the content and hands-on materials to give greater access to the information.