PERU. South Peru. 8 Escudos, 1838-MS. Cuzco Mint. PCGS Genuine--Tooled, Unc Details Secure Holder.Fr-92; KM-171. Later Republic type with "REPUB. SUD PERUANA" obverse legend, and "CONFEDERACION" lower reverse legend. Peru was partitioned in 1836 after Bolivian dictator Andres Santa Cruz crushed an army rebellion against Peruvian president Luis Jose de Orbegosos, and created a new confederation. The new state consisted of North and South Peru, which were both then joined administratively to Bolivia. The union was short lived, and ended with the Battle of Yungay (January 20, 1839) when Chile (aligned with dissident Peruvians) toppled the new state. Santa Cruz then fled into exile. The years following the fall of the confederation saw prolonged internal conflict and chaos within both Peru and Bolivia. The piece offered here was from the last year of relative stability. The design features four stars representing the four constituent departments of South Peru, which were comprised of Ayacucho, Cuzco, Arequipa and Puno. The reverse depicts features of South Peru including a volcano and a Inca fortress. Signs of minor tooling and minor bits of residue. Sharply struck with nice design details and pleasant luster throughout.From the Blue Moon Collection.
