A new series of coins, featuring a portrait of Augusto César Sandino, was introduced in 1981, consisting of aluminum 5 and 10 centavos, nickel-clad steel 25 centavos and cupro-nickel 50 centavos, 1 and 5 córdobas.
25, 50 centavos and 1 córdoba coins minted in 1985 were mostly recalled and destroyed by the Central Bank.