Heritage World Coin Auctions
CICF Signature Sale 3032 10-12 April 2014
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Peru
Republic bronze Pattern Centavo 1886, London mint, KM-PnA25, Proof 65 BN NGC. A very attractive example of this rare pattern, superbly struck and with hints of red hues in the fields. By 1884, and following the Chilean occupation of Lima in 1881, the Lima mint was in dire condition. Consequently, the Peruvian government started commissioned new dies for the silver and copper denominations through its delegation in London. Although new and talented engraver such as Florencio Davalos (grandson of famous Anastasio Davalos) were present in the engraving department of the Lima mint, its Director had made it clear that "it was not possible to engrave the dies at the (Lima) mint, since the necessary equipment and utensils are lacking after all were destroyed during the Chilean occupation". The Peruvian proof series dated 1886 were struck from the dies commissioned in England, which were engraved by Leonard Charles Wyon, son of William Wyon. When looking at the exquisite workmanship of these dies, many have wondered why no regular coins were struck with them upon their receipt. As indicated in the mint report of 1887, the reason is a technical one since Wyon blundered on the dimensions of the hubs and dies: for the present piece, the diameter was of 19.5mm instead of the requested 19mm. Although reworked versions of the Wyon dies were used for the 1 Centavo issues of 1901 and 1904, those were clearly less attractive since the engraving of the sun's face was removed. Thus these 1886 patterns are the only issues showing all the Wyon's work in all its glory, which adds to their importance.
Estimate: 1000-1500 USD
Republic bronze Pattern Centavo 1886, London mint, KM-PnA25, Proof 65 BN NGC. A very attractive example of this rare pattern, superbly struck and with hints of red hues in the fields. By 1884, and following the Chilean occupation of Lima in 1881, the Lima mint was in dire condition. Consequently, the Peruvian government started commissioned new dies for the silver and copper denominations through its delegation in London. Although new and talented engraver such as Florencio Davalos (grandson of famous Anastasio Davalos) were present in the engraving department of the Lima mint, its Director had made it clear that "it was not possible to engrave the dies at the (Lima) mint, since the necessary equipment and utensils are lacking after all were destroyed during the Chilean occupation". The Peruvian proof series dated 1886 were struck from the dies commissioned in England, which were engraved by Leonard Charles Wyon, son of William Wyon. When looking at the exquisite workmanship of these dies, many have wondered why no regular coins were struck with them upon their receipt. As indicated in the mint report of 1887, the reason is a technical one since Wyon blundered on the dimensions of the hubs and dies: for the present piece, the diameter was of 19.5mm instead of the requested 19mm. Although reworked versions of the Wyon dies were used for the 1 Centavo issues of 1901 and 1904, those were clearly less attractive since the engraving of the sun's face was removed. Thus these 1886 patterns are the only issues showing all the Wyon's work in all its glory, which adds to their importance.
Estimate: 1000-1500 USD