Watch List notes:

PERU. Peru-Bolivian Confederation. Battle of Socabaya Silver Award Medal, 1836. PCGS MS-62.
cf. Fonrobert-9254 (shape). Diameter: 41mm. On the victory at the Battle of Socabaya and the submission of Callao. Obverse: flying condor carrying laurel wreath within circle; Reverse: legends within beaded circles. This impressive war medal is well-preserved and impressively detailed. The obverse is richly toned to a deep charcoal gray with dark highlights around the peripheries and flashes of original luster. The simple reverse displays sharp legends and glittering luster that attest to its originality.

The Battle of Socabaya was the decisive final confrontation between the generals Andres de Santa Cruz and Felipe Santiago Salaverry during the conflict to which they lent their names, the Salaverry-Santa Cruz War of 1835-1836. On February 5, 1836, the generals and their armies met at Socabaya, on the outskirts of Arequipa. After a series of bloody charges, Salaverry's army was swiftly routed. The general fled but was quickly captured, tried, and summarily executed just days after his disastrous defeat. The victorious Santa Cruz, having gotten rid of his rival, was now free to create his envisioned Peru-Bolivian Confederation. The present medal, presumably awarded to soldiers who fought alongside Santa Cruz at Socabaya, proudly proclaims "I GAVE PEACE TO PERU", an ironic assertion in hindsight since foreign conflict and internal discord soon brought the Confederation to an end after three violent and chaotic years. To view all items from the Pat Johnson Collection, click here.

From the Pat Johnson Collection.

Estimate: $200 - $400