What Is The Currency Of Guatemala Named After? Uncovering the Indigenous Roots of the Quetzal

Guatemala’s national currency, the quetzal, carries a name steeped in Mesoamerican history and symbolism—an emblem of national identity rooted in pre-Columbian heritage. Far more than a medium of exchange, the quetzal honors a bird sacred to ancient civilizations, reflecting a deep respect for cultural legacy. The currency’s name is drawn directly from the resplendent quetzal bird, a living testament to Guatemala’s enduring connection to its indigenous past.

<> Naming a currency after a living creature is rare, but Guatemala’s choice stands out for its cultural and historical resonance. The quetzal, scientifically known as Pharomachrus mocinno, is a large, iridescent bird distinguished by its elongated green tail feathers and golden breast. But its significance extends beyond beauty.

In Mayan mythology, the quetzal was more than a symbol—it was a divine messenger and a sacred embodiment of freedom and renewal. The ancient K’iche’ Maya revered the bird as a symbol of nobility and spiritual power, associating its plumage with the gods and royalty. This mythic status is preserved in the currency’s name.

Since Guatemala’s adoption of the quetzal as legal tender in 1925, the term has carried forward a legacy that predates Spanish colonization. As the Central Bank of Guatemala asserts, “The quetzal honors a creature that embodies the soul of our nation—a being so revered that its name now stands on our national coin and banknotes.” < The transformation of a cultural icon into a national currency is grounded in deliberate symbolism. Prior to the quetzal, Guatemala used the Spanish peso, a colonial relic that lingered long after independence.

In the early 20th century, economic modernization prompted leaders to create a distinct monetary identity—one unshackled from colonial history but proudly anchored in regional heritage. The quetzal was formally adopted on July 1, 1925, following a national decree. At the time, Guatemala sought to strengthen economic sovereignty and foster national pride.

The decision to name it after the quetzal reflected a conscious effort to celebrate indigenous pride amid rapid change. As economic historian Dr. Elena Mendoza notes, “Choosing the quetzal was not just a fiscal choice—it was a statement of cultural continuity.

It declared that Guatemala’s future would honor its ancestral roots.” < On Guatemalan coins and banknotes, the quetzal’s design is meticulously detailed, capturing both artistic elegance and cultural authenticity. The obverse side features a stylized quetzal with outstretched wings, its emerald green tail rendered with precise iridescence that mimics actual plumage. Surrounding this central figure are inscriptions referencing the legacy of the bird and the nation’s commitment to preserving heritage.

Banknotes follow suit, showcasing the quetzal alongside scenes of traditional Mayan architecture, sacred temples, and flrength of national identity. Watermark motifs emphasize flight and freedom—core themes tied to the bird’s symbolism. These visual elements transform paper and metal into living narratives, where each denomination becomes a portable portal to Guatemala’s ancient past.

< The currency of Guatemala, the quetzal, is more than earnest史实— it is a living emblem born of myth, memory, and national will. By naming it after the quetzal bird, Guatemalans anchor modern economics in ancestral wisdom, honoring a lineage that endures beyond borders and time. This careful fusion of culture and currency illustrates how nations craft identity through sound symbolism—where every note and coin tells a story older than statehood itself.

The quetzal, in both flight and finance, remains a powerful reminder: a nation’s heart beats in its stories, rising from feathers to finance.