Peru – 1966 – 100 Soles de Oro – Naval Battle of Callao – Gold – PCGS MS64

Peru 1966 100 Soles Gold Coin: This large-format commemorative coin was minted to mark the 100th anniversary of the Combate del 2 de Mayo. The historic battle took place on May 2, 1866, between a Spanish fleet and Peruvian defenses off the port of Callao.

With a gross weight of 46.8071 grams, a fineness of 900/1000, and approximately 42.13 grams of pure gold, the coin is one of the most impressive gold coins of 20th-century Peru. The mintage was limited to only 6,253 pieces.

100 years of Combate del 2 de Mayo

The battle of May 2, 1866, holds great historical significance in Peru. The coastal fortifications of Callao defended the port against the Spanish fleet. In Peru, the event became a symbol of national self-assertion.

To commemorate the 100th anniversary, this commemorative coin worth 100 Soles de Oro was issued in 1966. The dates 1866 and 1966, as well as the inscription “Combate del 2 de Mayo” (Battle of May 2nd), directly reference the historical occasion.

The memorial page

The memorial page depicts a winged victory figure standing on a globe. In her raised hands, she holds laurel branches as traditional symbols of victory.

To the left and right of the figure are the years 1866 and 1966. The inscription around the edge reads:

COMBATE DEL 2 DE MAYO

The coin’s large format provides ample space for the three-dimensional design. Particularly striking are the largely uncluttered fields and the finely detailed wings of the victory figure.

The coat of arms page

The other side shows the Peruvian coat of arms within a wreath of flowers. The tripartite coat of arms contains a vicuña, a cinchona tree, and a cornucopia filled with coins.

Below the coat of arms is the written-out face value:

10 SOLES DE ORO

The inscription around the perimeter names the issuing institution:

BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DEL PERU

More than 42 grams of pure gold

The coin has a gross weight of 46.8071 grams and is made of gold with a fineness of 900/1000. This results in a fine gold weight of approximately 42.13 grams.

This means the coin contains significantly more gold than a classic one-ounce gold coin. The high gold content is combined with a low mintage and a unique historical commemorative design.

Only 6,253 copies

Only 6,253 of the 100-sole gold coins were minted. This makes it one of the relatively rare Peruvian gold issues of this period.

The combination of low mintage, high gold weight and historical occasion makes the coin interesting for both Peru collectors and collectors of rare Latin American gold coins.

PCGS MS64

PCGS rated this copy MS64 .

The designation MS stands for Mint State and indicates a coin that has not been in circulation. The grade MS64 confirms an attractive condition with significant luster and only limited contact marks.

On a large gold coin with wide, open fields, even minor touches are particularly noticeable. The PCGS MS64 classification therefore documents a high-quality and overall very appealing state of preservation.

Technical Overview

Country of issue: Peru
Year of publication: 1966
Face value: 100 Soles de Oro
Occasion: 100th anniversary of the Combate del 2 de Mayo
Metal: Gold
Fineness: 900/1000
Gross weight: 46.8071 g
Fine gold weight: approx. 42.13 g
Diameter: approx. 37 mm
Edition: 6,253 copies
Certification: PCGS MS64
PCGS certificate number: 64222847