The córdoba (ˈkorðoβa, sign

Currency sign

A currency sign is a graphic symbol used as a shorthand for a currency's name, especially in reference to amounts of money. They typically employ the first letter or character of the currency, sometimes with minor changes such as ligatures or overlaid vertical or horizontal bars...

: C$; code

ISO 4217

ISO 4217 is a standard published by the International Standards Organization, which delineates currency designators, country codes , and references to minor units in three tables:* Table A.1 – Current currency & funds code list...

: NIO) is the currency

Currency

In economics, currency refers to a generally accepted medium of exchange. These are usually the coins and banknotes of a particular government, which comprise the physical aspects of a nation's money supply...

 of Nicaragua

Nicaragua

Nicaragua is the largest country in the Central American American isthmus, bordered by Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south. The country is situated between 11 and 14 degrees north of the Equator in the Northern Hemisphere, which places it entirely within the tropics. The Pacific Ocean...

. It is divided into 100 centavos

History

The first córdoba was introduced on March 20, 1912. It replaced the peso

Nicaraguan peso

The peso was the currency of Nicaragua between 1878 and 1912. It was Nicaragua's first national currency, replacing the Central American Republic real and that of neighbouring states. It was subdivided into 100 centavos and was worth 8 reales...

 at a rate of 12½ pesos = 1 córdoba & was initially equal to the US dollar. It was named after the founder of Nicaragua, Francisco Hernández de Córdoba

Francisco Hernández de Córdoba (founder of Nicaragua)

Francisco Hernández de Córdoba is usually reputed as the founder of Nicaragua, and in fact he founded two important Nicaraguan cities, Granada and León. The currency of Nicaragua is named the córdoba in his memory....

.

On February 15, 1988, the 2nd córdoba was introduced. It was equal to 1000 1st córdobas. On April 30, 1991 the third córdoba, also called the córdoba oro, was introduced, worth 5,000,000 2nd córdobas. As of September 17, 2009, 20.555 córdobas oro equals one dollar.

First córdoba

In 1912, coins were introduced in denominations of ½, 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 centavos and 1 córdoba. The ½ & 1 centavo were minted in bronze, the 5 centavos in cupro-nickel and the higher denominations in silver. The 1 córdoba was only minted in 1912, whilst ½ centavo production ceased in 1937.

In 1939, cupro-nickel replaced silver on the 10, 25 & 50 centavos. In 1943, a single year issue of brass 1, 5, 10 & 25 centavos was made. These were the last 1 centavo coins. In 1972, cupro-nickel 1 córdoba coins were issued, followed, in 1974, by aluminium 5 and 10 centavos.

A new series of coins, featuring a portrait of Augusto César Sandino

Augusto César Sandino

Augusto Nicolás Calderón Sandino was a Nicaraguan revolutionary and leader of a rebellion against the U.S. military occupation of Nicaragua between 1927 and 1933...

, was introduced in 1981, consisting of aluminum 5 & 10 centavos, nickel-clad steel 25 centavos & cupro-nickel 50 centavos, 1 & 5 córdobas. Nickel clad steel replaced cupro nickel between 1983 and 1984. In 1987, the final coins of the 1st córdoba were issued, featuring Sandino's characteristic hat. Aluminum 5, 10 & 25 centavos and aluminium-bronze 50 centavos, 1 & 5 córdobas were issued, together with aluminium 500 córdobas.

25 centavos,50 centavos & 1 córdoba minted in 1985 were mostly recalled and destroyed by central bank. a few of 1 cordoba were circulated as seen.

3rd córdoba (córdoba oro)

In 1994, coins were issued in denominations of 5, 10, 25 & 50 centavos. All were minted in chrome-plated steel. In 1997, nickel-clad steel 50 centavos, 1 & 5 córdobas were introduced, followed by copper-plated steel 5 centavos & brass-plated steel 10 & 25 centavos in 2002 & brass-plated steel 10 cordobas in 2007.

All current coins have the coat of arms

Coat of arms of Nicaragua

The Nicaraguan coat of arms was first adopted on 21 August 1823 as the coat of arms of Central America, but underwent several changes during the course of history, until the last version was introduced in 1971.- Meaning :...

 of the country on the obverse and the numeral of the denomination on the reverse.

1997 Series
Value	Technical parameters			Description			Date of first minting
	Diameter	Mass	Composition	Edge	Obverse	Reverse
5 centavos	18.5 mm	3 g	Copper Copper Copper is a chemical element with the symbol Cu and atomic number 29. It is a ductile metal with very high thermal and electrical conductivity. Pure copper is soft and malleable; an exposed surface has a reddish-orange tarnish...  plated steel Steel Steel is an alloy that consists mostly of iron and has a carbon content between 0.2% and 2.1% by weight, depending on the grade. Carbon is the most common alloying material for iron, but various other alloying elements are used, such as manganese, chromium, vanadium, and tungsten...	Plain	Coat of arms Coat of arms of Nicaragua The Nicaraguan coat of arms was first adopted on 21 August 1823 as the coat of arms of Central America, but underwent several changes during the course of history, until the last version was introduced in 1971.- Meaning :...	Value, "EN DIOS CONFIAMOS"1, year of minting	2002
10 centavos	20.5 mm	4 g	Brass Brass Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc; the proportions of zinc and copper can be varied to create a range of brasses with varying properties.In comparison, bronze is principally an alloy of copper and tin...  plated steel Steel Steel is an alloy that consists mostly of iron and has a carbon content between 0.2% and 2.1% by weight, depending on the grade. Carbon is the most common alloying material for iron, but various other alloying elements are used, such as manganese, chromium, vanadium, and tungsten...	Reeded and plain sections	Coat of arms Coat of arms of Nicaragua The Nicaraguan coat of arms was first adopted on 21 August 1823 as the coat of arms of Central America, but underwent several changes during the course of history, until the last version was introduced in 1971.- Meaning :...	Value, "EN DIOS CONFIAMOS", year of minting	2002
25 centavos	23.2 mm	5 g
50 centavos			Nickel Nickel Nickel is a chemical element with the chemical symbol Ni and atomic number 28. It is a silvery-white lustrous metal with a slight golden tinge. Nickel belongs to the transition metals and is hard and ductile...  clad steel Steel Steel is an alloy that consists mostly of iron and has a carbon content between 0.2% and 2.1% by weight, depending on the grade. Carbon is the most common alloying material for iron, but various other alloying elements are used, such as manganese, chromium, vanadium, and tungsten...		Coat of arms Coat of arms of Nicaragua The Nicaraguan coat of arms was first adopted on 21 August 1823 as the coat of arms of Central America, but underwent several changes during the course of history, until the last version was introduced in 1971.- Meaning :...	Value, "EN DIOS CONFIAMOS", year of minting	1997
1 córdoba
5 córdobas
10 cordobas	26.5 mm	8.5 g	Brass Brass Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc; the proportions of zinc and copper can be varied to create a range of brasses with varying properties.In comparison, bronze is principally an alloy of copper and tin...  plated steel Steel Steel is an alloy that consists mostly of iron and has a carbon content between 0.2% and 2.1% by weight, depending on the grade. Carbon is the most common alloying material for iron, but various other alloying elements are used, such as manganese, chromium, vanadium, and tungsten...	Lettered	Coat of arms Coat of arms of Nicaragua The Nicaraguan coat of arms was first adopted on 21 August 1823 as the coat of arms of Central America, but underwent several changes during the course of history, until the last version was introduced in 1971.- Meaning :...	Value, figure, year of minting	2007

First córdoba

In 1912, the National Bank of Nicaragua introduced notes for 10, 25 and 50 centavos, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 córdobas, together with old 50 centavos and 1 peso notes overprinted for 4 and 8 centavos of the new currency. In 1934, all circulating banknotes were exchanged for notes which had been overprinted with "REVALIDO" ("revalidated"). The last notes for less than 1 córdoba were dated 1938. In 1945, 500 córdobas notes were introduced, followed by 1000 córdobas in 1953.

In 1962, the Central Bank of Nicaragua took over paper money issuance. The 1 córdoba notes were replaced by coins in 1972. After 5 córdobas coins were introduced in 1981, 2 and 5 córdobas notes were withdrawn. In 1987, 5000 córdobas notes were introduced, followed by overprinted 10,000 (on 10), 20,000 (on 20), 50,000 (on 50), 100,000 (on 100), 100,000 (on 500), 200,000 (on 1,000), 500,000 (on 20), 500,000 (on 1,000) and 1,000,000 (on 1,000) córdobas notes as inflation drastically reduced the córdoba's value.

Second córdoba

The second córdoba was only issued in banknote form. Notes (dated 1985) were issued in 1988 in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 córdobas together with undated 5000 córdobas. In 1989, notes for 20,000 and 50,000 córdobas were introduced, followed the next year by 5 million and 10 million córdobas notes.

Third córdoba (córdoba oro)

In 1991, notes were introduced for 1, 5, 10 and 25 centavos, ½, 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 córdobas. The notes below 1 córdoba were replaced by coins in 1994, with 5 córdobas notes also being replaced in 1997. 500 córdobas notes were introduced in 2002.

Famous people from Nicaragua's history are depicted on the obverses of the current banknotes. The reverses depict landmarks or natural habitats in the country.

2002 Series
Image	Value	Main Color	Description		Date of printing
			Obverse	Reverse
	C$10 Nicaraguan ten-cordoba note This series 2002 note is Green. On the obverse is Miguel Larreynaga and on the reverse is Islets of Granada....	Green	Miguel Larreynaga Miguel Larreynaga Miguel Jerónimo Larreinaga y Silva was a Nicaraguan philosopher, humanist, lawyer and poet. He was one of the people who traveled to Spain in 1818 to ask for independence of the Central American Republic, which was granted to Nicaragua and four other counties in 1821...	Islets of Granada Islets of Granada The islets of Granada are located in Lake Nicaragua, just southeast of the city of Granada in Nicaragua. The islets are a group of 365 small islands scattered about the Asese peninsula. The islets are of volcanic origin, they were formed when the Mombacho volcano blew most of its cone into the...	2002
	C$20 Nicaraguan twenty-cordoba note The Nicaraguan twenty-cordoba note is part of the Nicaraguan paper currency. This series 2002 note is orange. On the obverse is José Santos Zelaya and on the reverse is an Atlantic beach scene....	Orange	José Santos Zelaya José Santos Zelaya José Santos Zelaya López was the President of Nicaragua from 25 July 1893 to 21 December 1909.-Early life:He was a son of José María Zelaya Irigoyen, born in Nicaragua, and mistress Juana López Ramírez...	Atlantic Beach
	C$50 Nicaraguan fifty-cordoba note This series 2002 note is purple. On the obverse is Pedro Joaquín Chamorro Cardenal and on the reverse is the fortress of El Castillo de la Inmaculada Concepción....	Purple	Pedro Joaquín Chamorro	Fortress of El Castillo de la Inmaculada Concepción Fortress of the Immaculate Conception The Fortress of the Immaculate Conception, is a fortification located on the southern bank of the Río San Juan , in the village of El Castillo in southern Nicaragua. The fortress is situated approximately 6 kilometers from the border with Costa Rica, at the Raudal del Diablo rapids of the San Juan...
	C$100 Nicaraguan one hundred-cordoba note This series 2002 note is Blue. On the obverse is Rubén Darío and on the reverse is the Rubén Darío Theatre located in Managua....	Blue	Rubén Darío Rubén Darío Félix Rubén García Sarmiento , known as Rubén Darío, was a Nicaraguan poet who initiated the Spanish-American literary movement known as modernismo that flourished at the end of the 19th century...	Rubén Darío National Theatre
	C$500 Nicaraguan five hundred-cordoba note This series 2002 note is Red. On the obverse is José Dolores Estrada and on the reverse is the Hacienda San Jacinto....	Red	José Dolores Estrada José Dolores Estrada José Dolores Estrada Morales , in the wake of the turmoil following José Santos Zelaya's fall, briefly served as acting President of Nicaragua for a week from 20 to 27 August 1910, before handing power to his brother, Juan José Estrada. He died the following year....	Hacienda San Jacinto

2009 Series

On May 15, 2009, polymer ten and twenty córdoba notes were issued to replace their paper counterparts. A new polymer two hundred and a paper one hundred córdoba banknote was first issued on June 1, 2009. A new polymer 50 córdoba was issued on December 3, 2009. The new designed paper 500 córdoba banknote was introduced on January 12, 2010. A commemorative design of the 50 córdobas was introduced on September 15, 2010.

2009 Series http://www.bcn.gob.ni/moneda/circulacion
Image		Value	Dimensions	Main Colour		Description			Date of
Obverse	Reverse					Obverse	Reverse	Watermark	printing	issue
		10 Cordobas1	131 × 67 mm		Green	Fortress of the Immaculate Conception Fortress of the Immaculate Conception The Fortress of the Immaculate Conception, is a fortification located on the southern bank of the Río San Juan , in the village of El Castillo in southern Nicaragua. The fortress is situated approximately 6 kilometers from the border with Costa Rica, at the Raudal del Diablo rapids of the San Juan... , Rio San Juan Río San Juan Río San Juan may refer to* Río San Juan , Nicaragua* Río San Juan, Dominican Republic* Río San Juan, north-eastern Venezuela* Río San Juan , Mexico...	Hacienda San Jacinto San Jacinto San Jacinto is Spanish for Saint Hyacinth; as a place name, it may refer to:* San Jacinto, Bolívar, Colombia* San Jacinto, Chiquimula, Guatemala* San Jacinto, Comondú, Mexico* San Jacinto, Lerdo, Mexico* San Jacinto, Ancash Region, Peru...	"10", slighted tilted above El Castillo on the upper right hand side.	2009	May 15, 2009
		20 Cordobas2	136 × 67 mm		Yellow	Hut of natives on the eastern coast of the Caribbean.	Illustration of the Palo de Mayo Palo de Mayo Palo de Mayo is a type of Afro-Caribbean dance with sensual movements that forms part of the culture of several communities in the RAAS region in Nicaragua, as well as Belize, the Bay Islands of Honduras and Bocas del Toro in Panama. It is also the name given to the month long May Day festival...  dance	"20", Girl pounding grain		May 15, 2009
		50 Cordobas	141 x 67 mm		Violet	National ceramic of Nicaragua	Canyon of Somoto	National ceramic of Nicaragua, "50" watermark		December 3, 2009
		50 Cordobas	67 x 141 mm		Violet	First building of the Central Bank	Canyon of Somoto	"50" watermark	2010	September 16, 2010
		100 Cordobas	146 × 67 mm		Blue	Monument to Ruben Dario Rubén Darío Félix Rubén García Sarmiento , known as Rubén Darío, was a Nicaraguan poet who initiated the Spanish-American literary movement known as modernismo that flourished at the end of the 19th century...	Cathedral of Leon.	Emblem of the Central Bank of Nicaragua; watermark of a lion.	2009	June 1, 2009
		200 Cordobas	151 × 67 mm		Brown	El Güegüense El Güegüense El Güegüense is a satirical drama and was the first literary work of post-Columbian Nicaragua. It is regarded as one of Latin America's most distinctive colonial-era expressions and as Nicaragua's signature folkloric masterpiece combining music, dance and theater...	Ometepe Island, the national bird, the Momotus momota.	"200", The Guegense with watermark and cape.	2009	June 1, 2009
		500 Cordobas	156 x 67 mm		Red	Residential Museum of Augusto César Sandino Augusto César Sandino Augusto Nicolás Calderón Sandino was a Nicaraguan revolutionary and leader of a rebellion against the U.S. military occupation of Nicaragua between 1927 and 1933...	Native statues	"500" watermark, Sandino	2010	January 12, 2010

Historical exchange rates

• 1 USD
  United States dollar
  The United States dollar , also referred to as the American dollar, is the official currency of the United States of America. It is divided into 100 smaller units called cents or pennies....
  
   =

• • 20.865 (Yahoo) or 20.8623 (XE) or 20.5250 (Oanda) (January 10, 2010)
  • 20.425 (Yahoo) or 20.4263 (XE) or 20.222 (Oanda) or 20.4268 (Central Bank of Nicaragua) córdobas (August 4, 2009)
  • 18.032 (Yahoo) or 19.874 (XE) or 20.113 (Oanda) córdobas (January 3, 2009)
  • 18.032 córdobas (June 19, 2008)
  • 18.032 córdobas (April 24, 2007)
  • 17.066 córdobas (June 5, 2006)
  • 17.1754 córdobas (January 13, 2006)
  • 16.300 córdobas (April 2005)
  • 15.5515 córdobas (December 2003)

• 1 EUR
  Euro
  The euro is the official currency of the eurozone: 17 of the 27 member states of the European Union. It is also the currency used by the Institutions of the European Union. The eurozone consists of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,...
  
  =

• • 30.0562 (Yahoo) or 30.0772 (XE) or 29.5661 (Oanda) (January 10, 2010)
  • 29.3674 (Yahoo) or 29.3721 (XE) or 28.93586 (Oanda) córdobas (August 4, 2009)
  • 25.1033 (Yahoo) or 27.532 (XE) or 28.008 (Oanda) córdobas (January 3, 2009)
  • 29.8987 córdobas (June 19, 2008)
  • 24.583 córdobas (April 24, 2007)
  • 22.1168 córdobas (June 5, 2006)
  • 19.910 córdobas (January 2006)
  • 21.361 córdobas (April 2005)
  • 19.6462 córdobas (December 2003)

External links

• Pictures of Nicaraguan banknotes and coins
• Banco Central de Nicaragua: Billetes y Monedas en Circulación