Watch List notes:

PERU. Silver Proclamation Medal of 4 Reales, 1839. PCGS MS-62.
Fonrobert-9169. Commemorating the victory by President Agustin Gamarra over the Peru-Bolivian Confederation at the battle of Yungay. Obverse: battle scene; in background, cherub blowing trumpet atop mountain; Reverse: legend encircled by wreath. A gorgeous example of this beautiful type that features an elaborate and dramatic battle scene. In this high grade, fine details such as the soldiers' uniforms can be fully appreciated. The surfaces are pleasingly toned and lustrous. This medal is quite wholesome, displaying only minor friction marks and some typical weakness on the reverse center.

The Battle of Yungay was the climax of the War of the Confederation, in which Chile and Argentina sought to crush the newly formed Peru-Bolivian Confederation, which they viewed as a threat to their own regional hegemony. After years of intermittent conflict, the Chilean army joined forces with Peruvian dissidents, led by the former president of Peru, Augustin Gamarra, and confronted the Confederation army at Yungay. Gamarra's side won a decisive victory and he secured himself a second presidency of Peru. Gamarra was killed in battle against the Bolivian army less than two years later, and the memory of the victory at Yungay, commemorated on this attractive medal, is now mostly forgotten. Nonetheless, the conflict contributed to the formation of South American borders that have now been in place for generations. To view all items from the Pat Johnson Collection, click here.

From the Pat Johnson Collection.

Estimate: $200 - $400