Vasco Núñez de Balboa, national hero of Panama

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From about.com:

Vasco Nuñez de Balboa (1475-1519) was a Spanish conquistador, explorer and administrator. He is best known for leading the first European expedition to sight the Pacific Ocean (or the "South Sea" as he referred to it). He founded the settlement of Santa Maria de la Antigua del Darién in present-day Panama, although it no longer exists. He fell foul of fellow conquistador Pedrarías Dávila in 1519, who arrested him on false charges of treason and had him beheaded in January 1519. Balboa is still remembered and venerated in Panama as a heroic explorer.

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Panama, 25 centesimos, 1904.    Portrait of Balboa.

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Panama, 1/10 of a balboa, 1947.

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Panama, ½ balboa, 1953.

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Panama, 1 balboa, 1975.

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Panama, 1 balboa, 2011.