Catalog Reference

Castrobeza, p. 328
Fonrobert-8921
Gaillard-6809
Herrera, Charles III, 71
Medina-79
O'Crowley, p. 408
Perez Varela, p. 25
Rosa-40

Engraver: Unknown
Composition:

Size: Diameters vary based on composition:

Weight: Weights vary based on composition:

Edge: Ornamented

The obverse of Betts-469 shows an armored bust of Charles III facing right within corded border. The legend around appears outside of the corded border. It is also noted at the Lima mintmark (LM) appears on the obverse. On the reverse, there are crowned arms of the city of Lima and the oath of allegiance surrounding the arms. The arms are comprised of the imperial eagle with outstretched wings and pillars of Hercules to each side. Flanking the eagle on reverse are the letters "SUP -VND", an abbreviation of Viceroy Superanda. The K and I are for Karolus (Charles/Carlos) and Ioanna (Johanna/Juana). The gold medal is struck in 8 Escudos weight and is a very rare issue. A search of recent auctions turns up no examples of this type in gold, making this piece excessively desirable, even beyond the normal popularity of proclamation medals. The silver medal was struck in a 4 Reales weight and exhibits similar wear patterns to circulation coinage from the time. The proclamation ceremonies occurred on August 21, 1760 with the oaths being administered by Don Francisco Lazeano. The publication Lima Gozosa (1760) says that His Excellency produced exquisitely carved medals, which would serve as an eternal memory to his great power.

The example to the left was sold by Stack's Bowers Galleries in the January 2022 NYINC Auction, where it realized $33,600.