Peru 1968-BBB 1/5 libra
This specimen was lot 72399 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, February 2023), where it sold for $240. The catalog description[1] noted, "PERU. 1/5 Libra, 1968-BBB. Lima Mint. NGC MS-66. Displaying a soft golden hue, this charming piece delivers intense appeal and is certain to capture much in the way of excited bids." The gold libra superseded the silver sol as Peru's main unit of currency in 1898.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. This division of the libra was introduced in 1906 and struck until 1930 and again 1953-69, along with ½ libras and libras. The post World War Two issues are not found in circulated condition and were probably struck and sold as bullion coins. This coin is very close to the well-known Mexican dos pesos of 1945.
Recorded mintage: 4,781 with assayer BBB and est. 2 with assayer BBR.
Specification: 1.59 g, 0.917 fine gold.
Catalog reference: Fr-75; KM-210.
- 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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