Peru 1908-GOZG 1/2 libra
This specimen was lot 72394 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, February 2023), where it sold for $216. The catalog description[1] noted, "PERU. 1/2 Libra, 1908-GG. PCGS AU-55. A beautiful and lightly handled example, this wonderful piece delivers soft luster and wholesome details throughout. A pleasing specimen for any specialist in the series." The gold libra superseded the silver sol as Peru's main unit of currency in 1898. The libra weighed the same as a British sovereign and equalled ten soles. The half libra was struck in small numbers 1902-08, 1953-55, 1961-69. The post World War Two issues are not found in circulated condition and were probably struck and sold as bullion coins. This example realized a few dollars under the bullion value.
Recorded mintage: 8,180.
Specification: 3.99 g, 0.917 fine gold.
Catalog reference: Fr-74; KM-209.
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, February 2023 World Collectors Choice Online Auction, featuring the David Sterling Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2023.
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