Peru. 2 Escudos, 1853-MB (Lima). Fr-65; KM-149.2. Weight 0.1927 ounce. Standing Liberty. Reverse ; Small wreath above flagged arms, date below. PCGS graded VF-20. In special PCGS Ship of Gold holder which contains One Pinch of Gold Dust recovered from the S.S. Central America treasure.
Special PCGS number 674135.20/35474675. Estimated Value $500 - UP
When this 2-escudo piece was struck José Rufino Echenique Benavente was serving the third year of his term as President of Peru. In 1853 the country continued to enjoy a period of great prosperity and comparative stability thanks to an ongoing in the export of guano (accumulations of bird and bat excrement notable for its fertilizing properties) and the development of the Tacna-Arica railroad, which aided in in its shipment. Three years later, the wealth that had accrued to Peru from guano export, particularly to Great Britain, financed both the emancipation of more than 25,000 black slaves (many of whom were themselves guano miners) and the abolition of the discriminatory head tax on indigenous Peruvians.