Many Cuban Coin collectors have difficulty determining the difference between high and low relief, as it pertains to the 1915 Star 20 Centavo, the 1915 and 1920 Star 40 Centavo, and the 1915 Star Peso. Hopefully, this article will provide the collector with a few tools to determine the difference between the two reliefs.

The Krause Standard Catalog of World Coins contains a footnote, which reads as follows: “Coins with high relief stars normally exhibit a weak key and palm tree on the reverse. Coins with low relief stars tend to exhibit much more distinct lines running towards the center of the star”. NOTE: There is no known definition of medium relief stars as it applies to the 1915 Star 40 Centavo. This classification is qualitative in nature and has generated much discussion among Cuban collectors.

It was established by Russell Kruzell, a Cuban collector who spent many years studying the obverse and reverse of Cuban star coinage. His trained eye detected the medium relief variation, and he was instrumental in its inclusion in the Krause Catalog. Since there is an ongoing issue of the high and low relief centavos and peso, the medium relief simply added confusion to the debate. Until we are able to definitely identify the nature of the medium relief, it is recommended that collectors should focus on the difference between the high and low relief stars.

STAR VALLEYS

There is a distinctive difference in the properties of the 1915 high and low relief star PESO. By focusing on the “valley” of the star, one can see the distinction. The valley is identified above by the lines and arrows. The high relief will exhibit broad valleys, somewhat wider and rounder than the low relief, whose valley is generally very sharp and well defined.

Some define the low relief valley as a straight, sharp line. Close examination of the key and palm tree on the reverse may, or may not, support the classification, since the weak key and palm tree are often qualitative and difficult to ascertain. It is often more difficult to distinguish the difference between the properties of the 1915 high and low relief 20 Centavo and the 1915 and 1920 high and low relief 40 CENTAVO.

If the coin is in mint state, the valley is usually distinguishable. However, circulated 20 and 40 centavo coins often exhibit very little or no valley. There are then three methods to determine the relief. The actual volume of metal in the star is significant. Comparing the star to a “footprint” on the face of the coin, one will notice that the low relief star is flatter, with less displacement (volume), than the high relief star, which is higher and more definitive.

Close review of the obverse key and palm tree should provide the additional information necessary to make a final determination. When a coin exhibits traits from both reliefs, it becomes very difficult to make a positive determination. When possible, obtain another opinion. Most importantly, DO NOT automatically accept the decision of one of the Third Party Independent Certifiers. If you feel that they made an incorrect determination, challenge them. They are struggling with these different reliefs, just as we are.

NOTE: Your editor has published this article in an attempt to supplement the Krause footnotes, which have been a point of confusion among some collectors. Each collector should study these variations to determine the most reliable method to be used.