Guatemalan quetzal dollar, it was pegged to the French franc as well, since the quetzal utilized the gold standard. In 1925, coins in denominations of 1, 5, 10 centavos, , and 1 quetzal were introduced, although the majority of the 1 quetzal coins were withdrawn from circulation and melted. and 2 centavos coins were added in 1932. Until 1965, coins of 5 centavos and above were minted in 72% silver. and 1 quetzal coins were reintroduced in 1998 and 1999, respectively. Coins currently in circulation are: The first banknotes were issued by the Central Bank of Guatemala in denominations of 1, 2,
Resplendent quetzal during the latter stages of the Spanish conquest of the region. This quetzal was his "nahual" (spirit guide). The Quiché repelled several attacks from the Spanish army, even though outmatched in weaponry (guns, armor and cavalry against spears and arrows). Legend has it that on the day the conquistador Pedro de Alvarado fought against Tecún Umán, there was a quetzal flying overhead. On the first strike Tecún Umán, on foot, managed to disable Pedro de Alvarado's horse. Alvarado was then given another horse and on the second strike ran through Tecún Umán's chest with a spear. The quetzal flew down