Costa Rica continues to celebrate its natural and cultural heritage through numismatics. The Central Bank has announced the release of a new ₡25 collectible coin dedicated to the iconic Arenal Volcano, one of the most recognizable symbols of Alajuela Province and the country as a whole.

A reminder of Arenal in your pocket

The new coin, set to enter circulation on Wednesday, April 22, is part of the “Iconic Sites of Our Provinces” series, a collection that highlights a representative site from each of Costa Rica’s provinces. This release is the sixth of seven coins that will complete the series.

The reverse side of the coin features an image of Arenal Volcano, along with the inscriptions “Provincia de Alajuela,” “Volcán Arenal,” and the year “2023.” The obverse, meanwhile, includes the inscriptions “República de Costa Rica” and “Banco Central de Costa Rica,” as well as two raised bars designed to facilitate identification by touch. The coin also incorporates the updated features of Costa Rica’s current ₡25 coin series.

Collector’s editions and availability

Coin collectors can purchase the commemorative version of this coin in two special editions, both priced at ₡8,500:

  • Deluxe case with a numbered certificate
  • Laser-engraved acrylic display block

Online sales will take place via the BN Shop platform starting at 9:30 a.m. on April 22. Each customer may purchase one unit per product type. Customers will then receive an email with instructions for pickup, which will be available starting April 24 at the Banco Nacional headquarters in San José.

In total, the Central Bank has made 17,000 collectible coins available: 10,000 in acrylic versions and 7,000 in presentation cases. Additionally, plans are in place to distribute them through other financial institutions across the country, with purchase limits intended to prevent the concentration of coins in the hands of a small number of buyers.

Part of a national collection

This issue, dedicated to Arenal, is part of a series that has already paid tribute to other iconic sites in the country, such as:

  • Playa Manzanillo in Limón
  • The lighthouse in Puntarenas
  • La Casona de Santa Rosa in Guanacaste
  • El Fortín in Heredia
  • Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles in Cartago

The seventh and final coin in the collection will be dedicated to the National Theater, representing the province of San José.

Also for everyday use

Besides the collector’s edition, the Central Bank will introduce a standard version of the coin, in black and white, with a face value of ₡25. This coin will gradually enter circulation in the national financial system, replacing the current coins over the coming months.

A national symbol that transcends generations

The choice of Arenal Volcano is no accident. This natural monument is not only one of Costa Rica’s most visited tourist destinations, but also an icon deeply rooted in the nation’s identity, family memories, and the country’s international reputation.

With this new series, Costa Rica continues to build a collection that captures the diversity and beauty of its provinces in pocket-sized form, weaving together history, culture, and nature in each coin.

Sensorial Sunsets