CHILE. Silver Independence Proclamation Medal, 1818. NGC AU-55. Fonrobert-9842. Diameter: 36mm. Weight: 18.27gms. By Francisco Borja Venegas. Obverse: Radiant sun in front of mountains, palm tree over INDEPENDENCIA below; EL ESTADO DE (ligature) CHILE CONSTITUIDO INDEPENDTE AÑO DE (ligature) 1818. Reverse: Pillar supported on either side by arm emerging from cloud, banner with LIBERTAD and radiant star above; IUNTOS Y UNIDOS SEREIS FELICES. An elegant medal, struck in celebration of Chilean independence (officially declared on February 12, 1818), that incorporates much of the iconography used in ongoing coinage. Like most seen, this example has seen some handling, but nonetheless it remains quite attractive, with medium gray color in the centers and flashy green and golden-russet tone around the outer legends.Francisco Borja Venegas began his engraving career in 1808 and after two years of study, was appointed to the position apprentice. After Spain had been defeated, Chief Engraver of the Santiago Mint, Ignacio Fernandez Arrabal fled to Lima in 1817, leaving Francisco as the only qualified worker to take the lead role. He was obviously up for the task, as during his tenure, he was not only responsible for the medal offered here, but also the national coinage and the medals created for the constitutions of 1823, 1828 and 1833. Francisco was retired by decree on December 3, 1850, and is today considered the first independent engraver of Chile.</em> From the Matthew Orsini Collection.
