What is the history of the Cubatabaco Grand Corona 1492 Humidor and why was it created?

The Cubatabaco Grand Corona 1492 Humidor was released in 1992 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas. Produced by Cubatabaco, the former Cuban state tobacco monopoly before Habanos S.A., this limited edition humidor contained 50 Grand Corona cigars. The release coincided with the quincentennial celebrations and represented one of the most ambitious commemorative projects in Cuban cigar history, predating the modern Habanos S.A. commemorative humidor tradition that would follow in subsequent decades.

What are the dimensions and smoking time of the Cubatabaco Grand Corona 1492 cigar?

The Grand Corona 1492 measures 47 ring gauge by 194mm (7.6 inches) in length, making it substantially longer than a standard corona gorda. This substantial format delivers a smoking duration of approximately 90 to 120 minutes. The 47 ring gauge provides ample draw while the extended length allows for considerable development of the blend's complexity. These dimensions were specifically selected to create a ceremonial smoking experience befitting the 500th anniversary commemoration, distinguishing it from regular production Cuban cigars of that era.

How much is a Cubatabaco Grand Corona 1492 Humidor worth today and is it collectible?

Complete Grand Corona 1492 Humidors command significant premiums at auction, typically selling between $15,000 and $30,000 depending on condition and provenance. Individual cigars from broken humidors fetch $300-$500 each. The value derives from extreme scarcity—production was limited to 500 humidors worldwide—and historical significance as a transitional release between the Cubatabaco and Habanos S.A. eras. Collectors particularly seek sealed examples with original documentation. The humidors themselves feature elaborate craftsmanship with colonial-era design motifs, adding to their desirability among serious Cuban cigar collectors.

What is the history of the Cubatabaco Grand Corona 1492 Humidor and why was it created?

The Cubatabaco Grand Corona 1492 Humidor was released in 1992 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas. Produced by Cubatabaco, the former Cuban state tobacco monopoly before Habanos S.A., this limited edition humidor contained 50 Grand Corona cigars. The release coincided with the quincentennial celebrations and represented one of the most ambitious commemorative projects in Cuban cigar history, predating the modern Habanos S.A. commemorative humidor tradition that would follow in subsequent decades.

What are the dimensions and smoking time of the Cubatabaco Grand Corona 1492 cigar?

The Grand Corona 1492 measures 47 ring gauge by 194mm (7.6 inches) in length, making it substantially longer than a standard corona gorda. This substantial format delivers a smoking duration of approximately 90 to 120 minutes. The 47 ring gauge provides ample draw while the extended length allows for considerable development of the blend's complexity. These dimensions were specifically selected to create a ceremonial smoking experience befitting the 500th anniversary commemoration, distinguishing it from regular production Cuban cigars of that era.

How much is a Cubatabaco Grand Corona 1492 Humidor worth today and is it collectible?

Complete Grand Corona 1492 Humidors command significant premiums at auction, typically selling between $15,000 and $30,000 depending on condition and provenance. Individual cigars from broken humidors fetch $300-$500 each. The value derives from extreme scarcity—production was limited to 500 humidors worldwide—and historical significance as a transitional release between the Cubatabaco and Habanos S.A. eras. Collectors particularly seek sealed examples with original documentation. The humidors themselves feature elaborate craftsmanship with colonial-era design motifs, adding to their desirability among serious Cuban cigar collectors.

Cigar Information

Cubatabaco Grand Corona 1492 Humidor

The Grand Corona 1492 Humidor stands as one of the most significant commemorative releases in Cuban cigar history. Produced under the Cubatabaco banner, this limited edition collection was created to mark the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's historic arrival in the Americas—a journey that ultimately led to the introduction of tobacco to the Old World.

Historical Significance

Released on January 1, 1992, this humidor pays homage to a pivotal moment in cigar history. The year 1492 represents when European explorers first encountered indigenous peoples smoking tobacco, a discovery that would eventually give rise to the rich cigar culture we know today. Cubatabaco, then the state-owned tobacco monopoly of Cuba, commissioned this release as a fitting tribute to five centuries of tobacco heritage.

Specifications

Cigar Name	Grand Corona
Factory Name	Coronas Gordas
Ring Gauge	46
Length	143 mm (5⅝″)
Official Weight	11.41 g
Construction	Handmade
Factory	H. Upmann

Construction and Craftsmanship

Each Grand Corona in this collection was meticulously handcrafted at the renowned H. Upmann factory in Havana. The factory's skilled torcedores applied their expertise to create a cigar that measures 143 millimeters in length with a 46 ring gauge—a substantial format known in factory nomenclature as the Coronas Gordas vitola. The official weight of 11.41 grams reflects the generous filler quantities that characterize premium Cuban cigar construction.

Presentation and Packaging

The 1492 Humidor exemplifies the grand presentation style typical of major Cuban commemorative releases. Each cabinet-style humidor contains 50 cigars and carries its own unique serial number. Production was strictly limited to just 501 individually numbered humidors, making this an exceptionally rare collector's item in the modern secondary market.

Band Design

Adding to the collectible nature of this release, each cigar features a special "1492" band. These bands are individually numbered, corresponding to their humidor assignment, and are notably not embossed—a distinctive characteristic that differentiates them from standard production bands. The numbering system adds another layer of authentication and exclusivity to what remains one of the most sought-after Cubatabaco releases among serious aficionados and collectors.

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