My World Crown Affair
19th Cent, South Peru 8 reales

Owner Comments:

1837 8 reales of the short lived Republic of South Peru that comprised part of modern day Peru and Bolivia. This is the first year of issue and was minted in Cuzco. This sunface is thought to be an Inca design, perhaps representing the sun god Inti. The complex reverse design depicts a cornucopia of gold from the Peruvian coat of arms, a crowned tower that some sources cite as the Inca fortress of Saksaywaman overlooking the city of Cuzco, a volcano (perhaps El Misti, one of Peru's most active), and a ship in the ocean. Coincidentally, Charles Darwin noted volcanic activity in the area when he arrived in Lima on the second voyage of the HMS Beagle in July of 1835. Perhaps the engraver was commemorating the visit of this important voyage of discovery.

There are three types of 8 reales minted in 1837. The rare type has raised edge lettering and the FEDERACION legend. This type is the one with incuse edge lettering and the FEDERACION legend. The third type has the CONFEDERACION legend, which would also appear on all subsequent years.

Slabbed purchase from the September 2015 Long Beach Expo World Coins Signature Auction. From the auction catalog: 'SO.PERU "FEDERACION", KM170.1. Cuzco mint, assayer, "BA". Variety with incuse edge lettering. Light golden toning with little actual wear.'