San Blas
26mm, brass
About this token:
- This token is listed in Rulau's "Latin American Tokens," SB 5. San Blas Territory, Panama. No information about the use of these tokens is given.
- David passed on this information: "I do not think the so-called San Blas tokens were ever really used as currency. I have heard anecdotal stories about their use as evidence of payment down in the islands. They were sold BU in Panama by dealers like Dan Sander of Numismatica Ltda for a couple of bucks for a long time. I do not know if they are still made though." I also was told by a dealer that they were made in Minnesota. I was not told the manufacturer's name however.
- Lonely Planet has a web page about Panama that has a map that shows the San Blas islands, and contains the following information: The islands of the San Blas Archipilago are strung out along the Caribbean
coast of Panama from the Golfo de San Blas nearly all the way to the
Colombian border. The islands are home to the Kuna Indians, who run the
378 islands as an autonomous province, with minimal interference from the
national government. They maintain their own economic system, language,
customs, and culture, with distinctive dress, legends, music and dance.
The economy of the islands is based on coconut sales, fishing and tourism,
and they offer travelers good diving, snorkeling and swimming; the best
diving conditions are between April and June. The most interesting islands
are Achutupu, Kagantupu and Coco Blanco. There are flights to several of
the islands from Panama City or you can catch a ride with Kuna merchant
ships from Coln.
- I also found a Culture summary by Eleanor C. Swanson, which states that: After independence from Spain, the Cuna eventually
aligned themselves with Panama rather than Colombia. In 1925 they
staged a rebellion, which resulted in the San Blas area becoming a
largely autonomous Cuna reserve within the Republic of Panama, a political
status it still holds today.
- I still haven't found any information about this token!
Know anything about this token? Please
let me know!
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