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A Medal for Bolivian Independence

Published August 25, 2025 | Read time 1 min read

By Sydney Stewart

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The Banco Central de Bolivia has released commemorative medals in celebration of the nation’s bicentennial. The medals feature the historic Casa de la Libertad—the building where the country officially proclaimed independence in 1825—on the obverse. The legend BICENTARIO DE LA INDEPENDENCIA DE BOLIVIA 1825-2025 (“bicentennial of Bolivia’s independence”) encircles the central design, with 200 AÑOS above the building and CASA DE LA LIBERTAD below. The reverse depicts Bolivia’s national coat of arms, and the bicentennial logo appears at the bottom. The medals are available in a .9999-fine gold version and .999-fine silver version with the obverse in full color. 

Bolivian Independence

Spain conquered the Inca Empire in 1533, placing the territory of Bolivia (known as Charcas) under Spanish control, and the region’s plentiful silver made it an essential source of revenue for the Spanish Empire. Following the Napoleonic Wars in the early 19th century, Spanish control in its colonies weakened, and support for independence grew. The revolution began on May 25, 1809, in the city of Sucre, and Bolivia gained independence 16 years later on August 6, 1825, at Casa de la Libertad. The country was then named Bolivia in honor of Simón Bolívar, the Venezuelan leader who led the Spanish American wars of independence.