David B. writes:Â What are the “Caciques de Venezuela” gold coins? I have seen a reference to a minting in Switzerland for the National Bank of Venezuela in about 1955 I have seen six different “sizes” (both diameter and gold gr content) How many different, size and weight, were there? How many of each were minted? Who might have them for sale now?
“Caciques” means “Chiefs” and all of these wonderful gold trade units have a portrait of a Venezuelan Indian Chief. They were minted in Switzerland by the Inter-change Bank Suiza for Venezuela. The sizes were made to be interchangeable with European gold coins. In 1955 gold was still the money of choice by which countries paid their bills. The largest Caciques unit weighs 22.2 grams of .900 fine gold (.6430 troy oz pure).
These gold tokens can often be found at gold bullion houses or even at local coin shows. Unfortunately, many of these beautiful tokens have been melted over the years for their gold content.
