By Natalia Rueda 
This week marks a momentous occasion for the people of Colombia—the release of the Banco de la República’s new commemorative coin, honoring one of the country’s most beloved heroes, Policarpa Salavarrieta. The limited-edition 10,000 Colombian pesos coin features a portrait of Salavarrieta painted by the renowned local artist José María Espinosa, as well as the house in Guaduas where she lived.
The coin’s release is the nation’s tribute to a woman of great courage and determination. Salavarrieta, better known as ‘La Pola’, was a seamstress during the Spanish occupation of Colombia. She distinguished herself through her relentless efforts to fight for the independence of her country, even in the face of danger and risk to her own life. With her heroic actions during the Battle of Lake Maracaibo, she helped to tip the scales in favor of the revolution, and ultimately seal Colombia’s freedom from Spanish rule.
For years, the people of Colombia have proudly honored La Pola as a symbol of their nation’s long struggle for liberty, justice, and democracy. The creation of this coin is a reminder of the heroism and patriotism that she exemplified, and a reminder to Colombian citizens of the ideals to which their country is committed.
The limited-edition 10,000 Colombian pesos coin is available to the public for purchase in Bogotá, Manizales, Honda, Barranquilla, Medellín, Cali and Bucaramanga. For those who wish to purchase the coin in a commemorative case, the cost is 19,000 pesos. The coin is an important reminder of the price of freedom and of the courage and spirit of resilience that has always been part of Colombia’s history.