The córdoba (ISO 4217 code: NIO) is the currency of Nicaragua. It is divided into 100 centavos.

History

Coins
In 1912, coins were introduced in denominations of ½, 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 centavos and 1 córdoba. The ½ and 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 and 50 centavos. In 1943, a single year issue of brass 1, 5, 10 and 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, was introduced in 1981, consisting of aluminium 5 and 10 centavos, nickel-clad-steel 25 centavos and cupro-nickel 50 centavos, 1 and 5 córdobas. Nickel clad steel replaced cupro nickel between 1983 and 1984. In 1987, the final coins of the first córdoba were issued, featuring Sandino's characteristic hat. Aluminium 5, 10 and 25 centavos and aluminium-bronze 50 centavos, 1 and 5 córdobas were issued, together with aluminium 500 córdobas.

First córdoba
No coins were issued for this currency.

Second córdoba
In 1994, coins were issued in denominations of 5, 10, 25 and 50 centavos. All were minted in chrome-plated steel. In 1997, nickel-clad-steel 50 centavos, 1 and 5 córdobas were introduced, followed by copper-plated-steel 5 centavos and brass-plated-steel 10 and 25 centavos in 2002.
All current coins have the coat of arms of the country on the obverse and the numeral of the denomination on the reverse.

Third córdoba (córdoba oro)

"EN DIOS CONFIAMOS" - In God we trust Remarks

First 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 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 córdobas were introduced, followed the next year by 200,000, 500,000, 1 million, 5 million and 10 million córdobas notes.
Second córdoba
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.


Historical exchange rates

Economy of Nicaragua