Central Bank approves the new decagonal 50-peso coin

The Central Bank of Chile approved the technical specifications for the new electroplated $50 coin, which is decagonal in shape and manufactured from steel with a red bronze outer layer, and arranged for its gradual circulation without withdrawing current coins of the same denomination. The agreement was adopted by the Council of the issuing institute and published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Chile on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, under official reference CVE 2883218.

The decision is contained in agreement 2728-04-250717, adopted in Ordinary Session No. 2728 of the Council of the Central Bank of Chile, held on July 17, 2025, and now disseminated in official bulletin No. 44,568, Section I, page 1. The text was certified by Juan Pablo Araya Marco, Attesting Officer, dated in Santiago on October 7, 2026.

The Central Bank of Chile is the autonomous body responsible for the issuance of banknotes and coins, and its general orders are published in Section I of the Official Gazette, dedicated to laws, regulations, decrees, and general resolutions. The document is titled “Technical specifications of the electroplated $50 coin” and contains two resolutions: the approval of the characteristics of the new piece and the instruction to put it into circulation gradually.

Technical characteristics of the new piece

The agreement details the specifications of the coin, which combines a steel core with a red bronze coating:

• Denomination: $50.
• Diameter: 25 millimeters.
• Weight: 6.5 grams.
• Shape: decagonal.
• Edge: engraved with a chain pattern.
• Alloy: electroplated steel, with a Cu92Sn8 outer layer.
• Technology: electrodeposition.
• Color: red bronze.

Design: O’Higgins on the obverse and laurels on the reverse

The obverse features the profile of Bernardo O’Higgins. Around this figure is the legend “República de Chile” and, to the right of the character, in small letters, the phrase “LIBERTADOR B. O’HIGGINS”. To the left of the effigy is the mint mark or manufacturer’s sign.

The reverse features the number “50” in the center, with the word PESOS and the year of minting below it. A laurel wreath surrounds the ensemble.

Gradual circulation without withdrawing current coins

The Council arranged for the gradual circulation of the electroplated $50 coin, without withdrawing the current solid alloy coins of the same denomination from circulation. This implies that both versions will coexist as legal tender in the country.

The measure directly affects commerce and the general public: the new coin will circulate gradually and will coexist with the current ones, meaning there will be no mandatory exchange or loss of value for holders. Businesses must accept both versions of the $50 coin interchangeably while the Central Bank of Chile completes the substitution progressively.

Source: Official Gazette of the Republic of Chile, No. 44,568, Wednesday, October 7, 2026, Section I, p. 1 (official reference: CVE 2883218).