Description: VENEZUELA - MARACAIBO LEPER COLONY COINAGE - 1/8 BOLIVAR 1913 issue. "Lazareto Nacional". 18mm. EXTEMELY FINE or better and a very nice grade for this issue.KM-L3 In 1826, Simon Bolivar authorized the establishment of Lazareto Maracaibo on Burro Island in Lake Maracaibo. Over time, this became a large leper colony maintained by the Venezuelan Government, where hundreds of people suffering from Hansen's Disease (Leprosy) were cared for. To provide a monetary system and prevent regular coinage, handled by lepers, to re-enter general circulation, the Venezuelan Government created a special currency. These coins had value only on the island until about 30 years ago, when the illness was almost fully extinguished in South America and medical research revealed that little risk was involved from handling the coins. A little smaller than U.S. dime in size. See photos!
Price: 30 USD
Location: Brooklandville, Maryland
End Time: 2024-12-02T16:18:14.000Z
Shipping Cost: 4.99 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Country/Region of Manufacture: Venezuela
Certification: Uncertified
Year: 1913
Denomination: Bolivar
