Colombia 1000 Pesos Loggerhead Sea Turtle 2022 KM 299 UNC Bimetallic Coin

The Colombia 1000 Pesos Loggerhead Sea Turtle 2022 KM 299 is a modern bimetallic circulation coin celebrating the country’s extraordinary marine biodiversity.

The coin features the Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta), commonly known in Colombia as the Tortuga Caguama.

This remarkable marine reptile inhabits tropical and temperate waters around the world and is recognised for its powerful jaws, large head and distinctive reddish-brown shell.

Issued as part of Colombia’s redesigned circulation coin family, the 1000 Pesos denomination combines an attractive wildlife design with a distinctive two-tone bimetallic construction.

Preserved in uncirculated condition, this 2022 issue is an appealing addition to collections of marine wildlife coins, modern South American currency and environmental numismatics.

Historical Background

Colombia is recognised as one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, with ecosystems ranging from the Andes and Amazon rainforest to extensive Caribbean and Pacific coastlines.

In 2012, the Banco de la República introduced a redesigned family of circulation coins highlighting the country’s natural heritage.

The series features several native and regionally significant species, including the spectacled bear, frailejón, scarlet macaw, glass frog and loggerhead sea turtle.

The 1000 Pesos coin was introduced as the highest denomination in this redesigned coin family.

Its turtle design highlights the importance of marine ecosystems and the conservation of wildlife.

The 2022 issue continues this established design.

Coin Specifications

Obverse

The coin features a representation of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta), one of the most recognisable marine turtles in the world.

The design highlights the animal’s distinctive shell and streamlined body, reflecting its adaptation to life in the ocean.

The turtle motif represents Colombia’s rich marine biodiversity and the importance of protecting ocean ecosystems.

The bimetallic construction creates a contrasting visual effect that makes the 1000 Pesos denomination particularly distinctive.

Reverse

The opposite side displays the denomination 1000 Pesos, together with official national inscriptions and decorative elements associated with Colombia’s modern coinage.

The coin bears the year 2022, identifying its date of issue.

Its two-tone construction distinguishes it from the smaller denominations of Colombia’s biodiversity series.

The Loggerhead Sea Turtle

The Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) is a marine reptile found in tropical and temperate oceans worldwide.

It takes its English name from its relatively large head and powerful jaws, which allow it to feed on hard-shelled marine animals.

Loggerhead turtles can travel considerable distances across the ocean during their lives.

They spend most of their time at sea, while adult females return to sandy beaches to lay their eggs.

The species is closely associated with marine conservation because of the threats it faces from fishing activities, plastic pollution, habitat degradation and climate change.

Its appearance on Colombian currency draws attention to the importance of preserving marine biodiversity.

Colombia’s Marine Biodiversity

Colombia is one of the few South American countries with coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

These coastal regions support diverse marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangrove forests, estuaries and nesting habitats for sea turtles.

Several sea turtle species occur in Colombian waters, making marine conservation an important environmental priority.

The loggerhead turtle is one of the species associated with the wider Caribbean marine environment.

By featuring this animal on its 1000 Pesos coin, Colombia connects its national currency with the country’s natural heritage.

Colombia’s Biodiversity Coin Series

The redesigned Colombian circulation coin family, introduced in 2012, celebrates the country’s biodiversity through a selection of plants and animals.

Together, these coins form an attractive thematic collection illustrating Colombia’s extraordinary natural diversity.

The 1000 Pesos Loggerhead Turtle is especially distinctive because of its marine wildlife design and bimetallic construction.

The Colombian Peso

The Colombian Peso (COP) is the official currency of Colombia.

Its origins date back to the nineteenth century, following the country’s independence from Spain.

Today, Colombian currency is issued by the Banco de la República, established in 1923.

The 1000 Pesos denomination is an important part of the country’s modern circulation coinage.

Its design reflects the Banco de la República’s decision to highlight Colombia’s natural and cultural heritage through everyday currency.

Bimetallic Coins in Modern Numismatics

Bimetallic coins are manufactured using two different metallic components, usually a central disc surrounded by an outer ring.

This construction creates a distinctive two-tone appearance.

Bimetallic coins are used by many countries, including Canada, Brazil, Chile and Colombia.

The Colombian 1000 Pesos is a notable example because it combines this construction with a detailed marine wildlife motif.

For collectors, the coin offers both visual appeal and an interesting example of modern minting technology.

Sea Turtles in World Numismatics

Sea turtles are popular subjects in wildlife-themed coin collections.

Their distinctive appearance and environmental importance have inspired coin designs from numerous countries.

They are particularly associated with tropical islands, coastal ecosystems and marine conservation.

The Colombia 1000 Pesos Loggerhead Turtle 2022 can complement collections featuring turtles, dolphins, whales, fish and other marine animals.

It also pairs naturally with the Colombia 100 Pesos Frailejón 2022, another coin from the country’s biodiversity series.

Why Add This Coin to Your Collection?

The Colombia 1000 Pesos Loggerhead Sea Turtle 2022 KM 299 UNC Coin offers several attractive collecting features:

• Marine wildlife design: features the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta).

• Colombian biodiversity: celebrates the country’s natural heritage.

• Bimetallic construction: distinctive two-tone appearance.

• Modern circulation coin: part of Colombia’s redesigned coin family introduced in 2012.

• Uncirculated condition: preserved without normal circulation wear.

• South American numismatics: an attractive addition to collections of Colombian currency and wildlife-themed coins.