Peru 1968-BBR libra
This specimen was lot 72398 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, February 2023), where it sold for $480. The catalog description[1] noted, "PERU. Libra, 1968-BBR. Lima Mint. PCGS MS-64. An intriguing variety, offering a difference from the normal "BBB" reverse, this specimen glows with handsome details and a resplendent luster throughout." The gold libra superseded the silver sol as Peru's main unit of currency in 1898.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 post World War Two issues are not found in circulated condition and were probably struck and sold as bullion coins. This example realized only a few dollars over the bullion value.
Recorded mintage: 7,307 including assayer BBB and BBR.
Specification: 7.99 g, 0.917 fine gold.
Catalog reference: Fr-73; KM-207.
- 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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