Honduran lempira

Infobox Currency
currency_name_in_local = lempira hondureño es icon
iso_code = HNL
using_countries = Honduras
inflation_rate = 5.7%
inflation_source_date = " [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2092.html The World Factbook] ", 2006 est.
subunit_ratio_1 = 1/100
subunit_name_1 = centavo
symbol = L
used_coins = 5, 10, 20, 50 centavos
used_banknotes = L1, L2, L5, L10, L20, L50, L100, L500
issuing_authority = Banco Central de Honduras
issuing_authority_website = www.bch.hn

The lempira (pronEng|lɛmˈpɪrə, ISO 4217 code: HNL) is the currency of Honduras. It is subdivided into 100 centavos. The lempira was named after the 16th-century "cacique" Lempira, a ruler of the indigenous Lenca people, who is renowned in Honduran folklore for leading the (ultimately unsuccessful) local native resistance against the Spanish "conquistador" forces. He is a national hero, and is honoured on both the 1 lempira note and on the 20 and 50 centavos coins.

History

The lempira was introduced in 1931, replacing the peso at par. In the late 1980s, the exchange rate was two lempiras to the U.S. dollar (the 20 centavos coin is called a "daime" as they used to be worth the same as a U.S. dime). As of August 2006, the lempira was quoted at 18.8932 HNL to 1 USD. U.S. dollars are widely accepted as currency on the Bay Islands, but the mainland mainly deals in Lempiras. Businesses in major tourist centers on the mainland will generally accept dollars, though. Fact|date=March 2007

Coins

In 1931, coins were introduced in denominations of 5, 20 and 50 centavos and 1 lempira. 1, 2 and 10 centavos coins were added in 1935, 1939 and 1932 respectively. The silver 1 lempira coins ceased production in 1937, with the other silver coins (20 and 50 centavos) replaced by cupro-nickel in 1967.

Coins currently in circulation are [http://www.bch.hn/monedas.php]

*1 centavo - discontinued
*2 centavos - discontinued in 1990
*5 centavos
*10 centavos
*20 centavos
*50 centavos

Banknotes

The Bank of Honduras and the Banco Atlantida issued the first lempira banknotes in 1932. They were in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 lempiras. The Central Bank of Honduras took over production of paper money in 1950, introducing 50 lempiras notes in 1951. In 1975, 100 lempiras notes were added, followed by 500 lempiras in 1995.

Banknotes in circulation are [http://www.bch.hn/billetes.php]

ee also

* Economy of Honduras

External links

Standard numismatics external links
world_coin_gallery_1_url = Honduras
world_coin_gallery_1_name = Honduras
banknote_world_1_url = honduras
banknote_world_1_name = Honduras
dollarization_1_url =
dollarization_1_name =
gfd_1_url = Honduras
gfd_1_name = Honduras
gfd_data_1_url =
gfd_data_1_name =
show_gfd_excel = Y