World Silver - 1855-So Republic of Chile 50 Centavos PCGS Ex. S.S. Central America

Please take a look at this quite different piece to add to your collection. Did you know that there were foreign coins aboard the SS Central America when she sunk to the ocean’s floor in 1857? Among them were 50 centavos pieces from Chile in South America.

This is an attractive issue. Upon the obverse there is a condor with wings spread, in a similar style to eagles found on 19th century U.S. coins. Around the rim is found POR LA RAZÓN O LA FUERZA (“By reason or force”) with the date 1855 below. The reverse presents the plumed arms of Chile within an attractive wreath with berries. Written around the rim is REPÚBLICA DE CHILE So 50 C. This issue, which was produced at the Santiago Mint from 1853 until 1862, was designed and engraved by Miguel Antonio Venegas.

Pedro Lira’s painting of the founding of Santiago in 1541 by Pedro de Valdivia at Heulen Hill (1888). Image: Wikimedia Commons.