Prior to the Spanish arrival in the 16th century, Honduras was inhabited by indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Colonized by Spain, it became part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain. Honduras achieved independence from Spain in 1821 and later joined the Federal Republic of Central America before gaining full independence in 1838.
During its colonial era, Honduras utilized Spanish colonial coins. After gaining independence, Honduras began minting its own coins, often featuring national symbols and leaders. Throughout the 20th century, the country issued various coins, including those made from silver and base metals, reflecting changes in economic policies and international standards.
In 1931, Honduras introduced the lempira as its official currency, named after the indigenous leader Lempira, who led resistance against the Spanish conquistadors. The lempira is divided into 100 centavos.
The lempira remains Honduras' official currency today. Coins denominated in centavos come in various denominations, including 5, 10, 20, and 50 centavos.
The 5, 10, 20, and 50 centavos coins are widely circulated, primarily crafted from base metals like copper-plated steel. Each denomination features unique designs, often highlighting national symbols, historical figures, or cultural motifs significant to Honduras. These coins are integral to daily transactions within the country, contributing to its monetary system while also serving as tangible symbols of Honduran heritage and identity.
