Peru 1985 5 centimos

from the Mountain Groan Collection

This type, issued 1985 only from Lima, reflects the accelerating pace of inflation which devastated Peru in the late 1970's and 1980's. Beset by the Sendero Luminoso rebellion, growing narco-trafficking influence and corrupt, incompetent military rule, the regime attempted to check inflation by reforming the currency; 1000 soles = one inti. This reform failed and another reform was instituted in 1989. The bust is of Admiral Grau, victor of a naval battle against the Chileans in which he was killed.

Recorded mintage: 20,000,000.

Specification: 2 g, brass, 17 mm diameter, plain edge, designed by Manuel Chavez.

Catalog reference: KM 292.

Source:

• Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
• Yabar Acuña, Francisco, Monedas Fiduciaras del Peru, 1822-2000, Lima, 2001.

Link to:

• 1982 5,000 soles, FIFA World Cup, Spain
• 1982 10,000 soles
• 1985 centimo
• 1986 20 centimos
• 1987 inti
• Coins and currency dated 1985
• return to Peru