Watch List notes:

Venezuela, large silver medal, deliverance of Simon Bolivar from assassination in 1828 (struck 1829), very rare and important. Urdaneta Braschi-I.A.12. 43.15 grams, the box 2-1/2". This famous medal was struck to honor Bolivar's aide, L.D. Palacios, for his heroism in delaying a would-be assassin long enough for Bolivar to escape on September 25, 1828, although the act is more properly attributed to Bolivar's mistress, Manuela Saenz, whom he later called "Libertadora del Libertador." The design consists of Bolivar's bust on a pedestal on the obverse and the all-seeing eye in a radiant pyramid on the reverse above the words L. D. P. / SALVO LA VIDA / DEL LIBERTADOR / SIMON BOLIVAR / LA NOCHE DEL 25. DE SEP. / DE 1825. While it is generally accepted that L. D. P. stands for the initials of Bolivar's aide, this medal is sometimes referred to as "La Divina Providencia," and only a small amount were struck (about 12-20 known). Rainbow-toned XF with minor rim-bumps and nicks, old dig to right of NOCHE, characteristic flan-bulge in obverse fields, coin alignment. Housed in an antique red velvet-lined box.

Estimate: $3500