Catalog
1 Centavo
| Issuer | Peru |
|---|---|
| Year | 1863-1864 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
| Reference(s) | Log in to see details |
| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | The denomination UN CENTAVO is inscribed in two lines at the centre of the field, enclosed within a wreath composed of fruiting and flowering branches tied at the base with a ribbon bow. The wreath features grape clusters and various floral motifs on both sides, opening at the top. A dentilated border runs along the entire rim. |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Edge | Log in to see details |
| Mint | Log in to see details |
| Mintage | 1863 - - 1,000,000 1863 - Proof - 1864 - - |
| Additional information |
Peru's 1863 decimal reform replaced the old real system with a new currency based on the peso of 10 dineros, making this centavo among the first coins issued under that framework. The reform was partly driven by pressure to rationalize trade with foreign merchants who found the colonial-era denominations confusing. Copper-nickel was an unusual material choice for South American minor coinage at the time — most regional mints defaulted to bronze — and the alloy was sourced through contracts with European suppliers rather than processed domestically.