Released 12/15/2001

1872 1 peso Chile    25.0 grams of 90% silver. Chile came under Spanish rule in 1540 under the viceroyalty of Peru as a captaincy general. It was not until 1778 that it separated from Peru and declared its independence in 1818. In 1872, Chile was a republic involved in the War of the Pacific, which lasted until 1884. This coin was minted in Santiago, the capital. This mint was established in 1743. The obverse shows a condor holding a shield with the phrase "POR LA RAZON O LA FUERZA" (BY REASON OR FORCE). The reverse has the Chilean arms symbol in a wreath.