1970 1 Peso Argentina

The 1970 Argentine 1 Peso was the first coin issued in the nation's decimal currency reform, effectively lopping off two zeros from the old system to combat rampant inflation.

That nickel composition wasn't just a cheap switch; it reflected a broader move toward durable, modern alloys in response to economic pressures. The obverse featured the Sun of May, a symbol dating back to independence, while the reverse showed the national coat of arms—standard for the era, but executed with the Casa de Moneda's typical precision. Mintage figures are murky; records from that period are incomplete, possibly lost in bureaucratic shuffles.

Collectors sometimes fuss over minor variations in edge lettering, but it's rarely worth the hype. If you handle one, note the weight: a solid 7 grams, which feels substantial in the palm.