Reverse The central part features the Quiriguá monument against a background of vegetation. To the right of the monolith, a two-line inscription in Spanish: «10 CENTAVOS». Along the lower edge, an arched inscription in Spanish: «MONOLITO DE QUIRIGUA» (Quiriguá Monolith). The coin's rim features raised elements in the form of dots.
Obverse The central part features the coat of arms of the Republic of Guatemala within a small wreath of leaves. Below it, the mint year framed by dots: 1980. To the left, top, and right along the rim, the country name in Spanish: «REPUBLICA DE GUATEMALA». The rim features a dotted relief pattern.