Peruvian Gold Una Libra Coin Pendant

This item is a circular pendant featuring a Peruvian 'Una Libra' gold coin mounted in a four-prong gold bezel. The coin serves as the centerpiece, showcasing the profile of an Inca warrior wearing a feathered headdress and a large earspool. The inscriptions 'VERDAD I JUSTICIA' (Truth and Justice) and 'UNA LIBRA' are visible around the perimeter. The coin is struck in a yellowish gold, likely 22k (900/1000 fineness), which is the standard for this denomination minted in Lima between 1898 and 1969. The bezel and jump ring attachment appear to be made of a slightly different gold alloy, potentially 14k or 18k, intended for jewelry durability. The bezel utilizes a minimalist four-prong design that secures the coin without obscuring the edge lettering or date (though the date is currently hidden by the mounting or side). In terms of condition, the coin shows moderate surface wear consistent with being worn as jewelry, including light scuffing on the high points of the warrior's face. There is a visible patina and some accumulation of dirt or oxidation near the prongs. The jump ring shows some deformation from use, indicating it has been suspended from a chain for a significant period. The craftsmanship of the bezel is functional and commercial rather than custom-carved, suggesting a mid-to-late 20th-century jewelry conversion. This type of jewelry was popular for its intrinsic gold value combined with historical and cultural iconography.

Upon visual examination of this Peruvian 'Una Libra' gold coin pendant, I find it to be a classic example of numismatic jewelry, likely dating from the mid-20th century. The centerpiece is a Sovereign-sized gold coin minted in Lima, which traditionally contains 7.98 grams of .917 fine gold (approx. 0.2354 oz AGW). The coin displays a characteristic high-relief profile of an Inca warrior. Based on the visible wear on the high points of the warrior’s cheek and headdress, I categorize the coin as ‘Circulated/Ex-Jewelry,’ which slightly diminishes its numismatic premium but maintains its high bullion value. The mounting is a standard four-prong 14k gold bezel, common in commercial jewelry production. Current market conditions for gold are strong, and there is a steady demand for ‘hard asset’ jewelry that blends historical iconography with intrinsic value. This item’s value is primarily derived from its gold content (melt value) plus a 15-25% premium for its appeal as a wearable historical piece. Limitations of this image-based appraisal include the inability to verify the exact date of the coin or the purity of the bezel via acid or XRF testing. I cannot confirm the total weight or detect professional repairs to the jump ring. For a definitive authentication, I would require an in-person weight measurement in grams, a microscopic inspection of the coin’s edge to ensure it is not a contemporary counterfeit, and a hallmark verification on the bale to confirm the karatage of the mounting.