Stack's Bowers & Ponterio
January 2014 NYINC Auction - Sess. A-B 10-11 January 2014
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PERU. San Marcos Academy Silver Medal, 1754. PCGS EF-45 Secure Holder.
Ferdinand VI (1746-60). Betts-398; cf.Fonrobert-8907. Shield surmounted by cherub's head bearing a six point star, crown and "SM" on cartouche, legend around; Reverse: Letter "A" with date below. About 4 Reales in size. The Academy of San Marcos, now the National University of San Marcos, is the oldest officially established and recognized university in the New World having been founded by royal decree May 12th 1551. This medal comes in two varieties, one with an "R" on the reverse and this type with an "A". Based on auction and collection records, the A variety would be the RARER of the two, it is unknown what the meaning of these monograms are. One possibility is that they were given to the officers of the college upon their appointment, specifically the office of Rector and Vice-Rector of Academia. Originally, the university was run by the members of the clergy, but was later turned into a secular institution. If the monograms correspond with the governing offices, then the date on these medals would presumably represent the year these posts were established and not the year of striking. More research must be done to ascertain the true meaning of these enigmatic and RARE designs. PCGS EF-45 Secure Holder.
Ferdinand VI (1746-60). Betts-398; cf.Fonrobert-8907. Shield surmounted by cherub's head bearing a six point star, crown and "SM" on cartouche, legend around; Reverse: Letter "A" with date below. About 4 Reales in size. The Academy of San Marcos, now the National University of San Marcos, is the oldest officially established and recognized university in the New World having been founded by royal decree May 12th 1551. This medal comes in two varieties, one with an "R" on the reverse and this type with an "A". Based on auction and collection records, the A variety would be the RARER of the two, it is unknown what the meaning of these monograms are. One possibility is that they were given to the officers of the college upon their appointment, specifically the office of Rector and Vice-Rector of Academia. Originally, the university was run by the members of the clergy, but was later turned into a secular institution. If the monograms correspond with the governing offices, then the date on these medals would presumably represent the year these posts were established and not the year of striking. More research must be done to ascertain the true meaning of these enigmatic and RARE designs. PCGS EF-45 Secure Holder.