Peru 1953-BBR 1/2 libra
This specimen was lot 25375 in Heritage sale 61487 (Dallas, TX, May 2025), where it sold for $960. The catalog description[1] noted, "Peru. Republic gold 1/2 Libra 1953-BBR MS65 NGC, Lima mint. A prime target for the quality-conscious collector, topping the conditional censuses over only two others currently certified, none achieving the coveted Gem assignment seen here. Accompanied by the original collector envelope. From the Monedero Collection of Peru and Latin American Coins." The gold libra superseded the silver sol as Peru's main unit of currency in 1898.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 type was struck 1902-08 and 1953-69, along with fifth libras and one libras. The later issues were not legal tender and were likely sold at their bullion value.
Recorded mintage: 9,210.
Specification: 3.99 g, 0.917 fine gold, .117 troy oz AGW.
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]Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, 2025 May 13 - 14 The Monedero Collection of Peru and Latin American Coins Showcase Auction #61487, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2025.
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