Colón is the currency of Costa Rica. It was introduced in 1896, replacing the Costa Rican peso. The currency is named after Christopher Columbus, known as Cristóbal Colón in Spanish. The symbol for the currency is ₡, which is often represented with two slashes through the letter "C" to differentiate it from the dollar sign ($).
The Colón is divided into 100 units called Céntimos. The plural form of Colón is Colones, while the plural of Céntimo is Céntimos. The current banknotes in circulation are in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 50,000 Colones. The coins are available in 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 500 Colones. The coins with denominations of 5, 10, 25, and 50 Colones feature images of local flora and fauna, while the 100 and 500 Colones coins feature images of important historical figures.
The value of the Colón fluctuates relative to other currencies, particularly the US dollar. The exchange rate is set by the Central Bank of Costa Rica, and as of May 2023, the exchange rate is approximately 1 US dollar to 635 Costa Rican Colones. It's important to note that while the US dollar is widely accepted in many places in Costa Rica, it's not an official currency, and businesses may have different exchange rates.
Overall, the Colón is an important symbol of Costa Rican identity and economy. Its history, from the replacement of the peso to its current position in the global market, reflects the country's growth and development. The currency, along with the imagery on its banknotes and coins, celebrates the natural beauty and rich culture of Costa Rica.
