From 1864 until 1963, the boliviano was the country’s currency. It was divided into 100 centecimos and was worth eight soles. It was replaced with the Bolivian peso in 1963, and was reintroduced in 1987 due to years of rampant inflation.
In 1988, a set of stainless-steel coins was introduced in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 centavos, as well as a 1 boliviano coin dated 1987.
In 1991, a stainless-steel 2 boliviano coin joined the lineup, followed by copper-plated steel 10 centavos in 1997 and bi-metallic 5 bolivianos in 2001. The 2 boliviano coin was minted in two sizes. Despite the smaller 2 boliviano coin causing confusion with the 1-boliviano coin, both the smaller and larger 2-boliviano coins retained their status as legal tender.
The obverse of all Bolivian coins proudly displays the phrase "La union es la Fuerza” and the denomination. On the reverse side, older coins showcase the coat of arms of Bolivia along with the inscription "Republica de Bolivia" (Republic of Bolivia). Newer editions, on the other hand, also feature the coat of arms but with the inscription "Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia" (Plurinational State of Bolivia).