Catalog
| Issuer | Chile |
|---|---|
| Year | 1981-1992 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Peso |
| Currency | New peso (1975-date) |
| Composition | Aluminium bronze (92% Copper, 2% Aluminium, 6% Nickel) |
| Weight | 2 g |
| Diameter | 17 mm |
| Thickness | 1.4 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#216 |
| Obverse description | Portrait of Bernardo O`Higgins (1778-1842), one of the founders of Chile, one of the greatest military figures when fighting for Chile`s independence, and the first Chilean head of state, facing right. The mintmark to left. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
REPUBLICA DE CHILE So LIBERTADOR B. O`HIGGINS FR.THENOT (Translation: Republic of Chile So Liberator B. O´Higgins FR.THENOT) |
| Reverse description | Value and date within laurel wreath. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | 1 PESO 1981 |
| Edge | Smooth |
| Mint |
(So) Casa de Moneda de Chile,Santiago, Chile (1743-date) |
| Mintage |
1981 So - KM# 216.1 (Wide date) - 40 000 000 1984 So - KM# 216.1 (Wide date) - 60 000 000 1985 So - KM# 216.1 (Wide date) - 20 000 000 1986 So - KM# 216.1 (Wide date) Closed 6 - 45 000 000 1986 So - KM# 216.1 (Wide date) Open 6 - 1987 So - KM# 216.1 (Wide date) - 80 000 000 1988 So - KM# 216.2 (Narrow date) - 105 000 000 1989 So - KM# 216.2 (Narrow date) - 205 000 000 1990 So - KM# 216.2 (Narrow date) - 140 000 000 1991 So - KM# 216.2 (Narrow date) - 140 000 000 1992 So - KM# 216.2 (Narrow date) - |
| Numisquare ID | 1884618650 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: Issued between 1981 and 1992, this 1 Peso coin circulated during a pivotal era in Chilean history. This period encompasses the latter years of Augusto Pinochet's military dictatorship and the initial phase of Chile's return to democracy under President Patricio Aylwin. As essential small change, it reflects a time of significant political transition, economic restructuring, and the gradual re-establishment of democratic institutions, serving the populace through a period of profound national change.
Artistry: The design adheres to a functionalist, modern stylistic school typical of contemporary Chilean coinage. While a specific engraver is not widely cited, the design likely originated from the Casa de Moneda de Chile's department. The obverse prominently features the national Coat of Arms of Chile, depicting the huemul and condor supporting a shield, crowned by a three-feathered plume, encircled by 'REPUBLICA DE CHILE' and the date. The reverse displays the large denomination '1 PESO', signifying its utilitarian purpose within daily commerce.
Technical/Grading: Struck in aluminium bronze (92% copper, 2% aluminium, 6% nickel), this 2-gram, 17-millimeter coin exhibits specific technical qualities. High-points for grading include the intricate details of the huemul's fur and the condor's feathers on the coat of arms, as well as the central star within the shield. Due to the alloy's hardness and the demands of mass production, strikes can sometimes show minor softness in these finer details. Well-preserved examples will display good original luster and crisp lettering.