Peru – 1965 – 100 Soles de Oro – 400 Years of the Lima Mint – Gold – NGC MS67 – Cert 611186-009

Peru – 1965 – 100 Soles de Oro – 400 Years of the Lima Mint – Gold – Brilliant Uncirculated – NGC MS67 – Cert 611186-009

This large gold coin from Peru was issued in 1965 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Lima mint. It recalls the long minting tradition of the Peruvian capital, whose coinage history dates back to the Spanish colonial period. This issue thus combines a significant historical anniversary with the classic format of a heavy Latin American gold commemorative coin.

The obverse features the Peruvian coat of arms with a vicuña, cinchona tree, and cornucopia. The inscription “BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DEL PERU” appears around the perimeter, followed by the face value “CIEN SOLES DE ORO” (100 SOLES OF ORO). This clearly indicates that the coin was issued by the Peruvian Central Bank and simultaneously signifies its function as an official gold commemorative coin.

The reverse side is dedicated to the anniversary of the Lima Mint. At its center is a depiction reminiscent of early colonial coinage, featuring the Pillars of Hercules and the inscription “PLUS ULTRA” (Plus Ultra). Around the perimeter is the inscription “CUARTO CENTENARIO DE FUNDACIÓN DE LA CASA DE MONEDA” (Centenary of the Foundation of the Lima Mint), supplemented by “LIMA” and the dates “1565 – 1965”. This direct connection to the Casa de Moneda de Lima (Lima Mint) makes the coin particularly interesting numismatically, as it not only displays a Peruvian national symbol but also addresses the country’s own coinage history.

This particular example has been certified MS67 by NGC. This means the coin is in exceptionally high uncirculated condition. For a large gold coin with a 36 mm diameter and a weight of 46.8071 g, this grade is particularly remarkable, as large gold coins, due to their open fields and delicate surfaces, are usually much more susceptible to contact marks, fine lines, and minor minting marks.

With a fine weight of 42.126 g of gold, or 1.3544 ounces of pure gold, this 100 Soles de Oro issue is among the most substantial gold coins of South America. At the same time, its historical significance, attractive design, and high NGC rating make it particularly appealing to collectors of Peruvian gold coins, Latin American numismatics, and high-quality certified gold commemorative coins.

Technical data

Country: Peru
Year: 1965
Face value: 100 Soles de Oro
Occasion: 400 years of the Lima Mint
Material: Gold
Fineness: 900/1000
Weight: 46.8071 g
Fine weight: 42.126 g
AGW: 1.3544 oz
Diameter: 36 mm
Minting quality: Brilliant Uncirculated
Print run: 27,000 copies
Mint: Lima
Obverse: Coat of arms of Peru with face value “CIEN SOLES DE ORO”
Reverse: Anniversary motif “1565 – 1965” for the Lima mint with Pillars of Hercules
Certification: NGC MS67
Cert number: 611186-009