I really like coins from Peru. Since the introduction of the “Sol” as the currency in 1863, Peruvian coins have featured the coat of arms on one side:

The coat of arms, which was originally adopted in 1825, was proclaimed by Simón Bolívar as:

“The arms of the Peruvian Nation shall consist of a shield divided into three fields (Polish shape), one light-blue, to the left, which will carry a vicuña looking inwards; another white, on the right, where a cinchona tree will be located; and another red below and smaller in which a cornucopia will be seen spilling coins, signifying with these symbols, the richnesses of Peru in the three natural kingdoms. The shield shall have as crest a Civic Crown seen flat; and shall be escorted on each side by a flag and standard of the same national colors”

The coat of arms has a palm branch on its left and a laurel one on its right, tied by a red and white ribbon, as well as a Holm oak civic crown above it. These represent victory and glory. The whole design is primarily used on the state flag, on coins, banknotes and stamps.

Description from Wikipedia.

Simón Bolívar, btw, was quite a prominent figure in colonial South America. From Wikipedia, he: “was a Venezuelan military and political leader who led what are currently the countries of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Panama and Bolivia to independence from the Spanish Empire.”

Back to our coin, and I quite like the reverse as well:

The text translates to: “Central Reserve Bank of Peru Will Pay the Carrier 1/2 Sol de Oro”. These coins are not too small either, at 27mm diameter. The full 1 (or Un) Sol de Oro is even larger at 33mm diameter.

This 1/2 Sol de Oro is dated 1944, and this series was in use from 1935 – 1965.

The design reminds me of the German 5 Deutsche Mark coin from the 1950s

But that is an impressive coin in its own right, for another day…