Reverse In the central part, within a circle formed by dots, the inscription: '2 ½' - 2 ½ centavos. To the left, top, and bottom along the rim, an inscription in Spanish: 'DOS Y MEDIO CENTAVOS' - two and a half centavos. Along the arc of the lower edge is the issue date - 1881. Along the edge of the coin is a circle of smaller diameter.
Obverse In the central part, within a circle formed by dots, is an image of the Liberty Cap, with the Spanish inscription for 'Liberty' - 'LIBERTAD'. To the right, top, and left is the inscription in Spanish: 'ESTADOS UNIDOS DE COLOMBIA', which translates to: 'United States of Colombia'. In the lower part, along the arc of the coin's edge, are nine seven-pointed stars. Along the rim is a circle of smaller diameter.