Peru, Republic. An Order Of The Sun Of Peru, Grand Cross Star, C.1960

(Orden del Sol del Perú). Instituted in 1821. Type III. Insignia in bronze gilt with red, white and green enamels, mounted to a bronze gilt star base featuring eighteen starburst arms, each arm with five rays, maker marked "CASA NACIONAL DE MONEDA LIMA-PERU" on the reverse cartouche, measuring 79.8 mm (w) x 79 mm (h), vertical pinback, intact enamels, very light contact, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of the Sun of Peru, formerly known as the Order of the Sun, is the highest award bestowed by the nation of Peru and is the oldest civilian award in the Americas. The Order was originally instituted on October 8, 1821 by General José de San Martín upon reaching Lima, to recognize those who had distinguished themselves in the campaign against the Spanish Royalists. It was discontinued four years later, in 1825, after many grantees started to use the award as a nobility title, similar to the earlier Castile titles awarded by the colonial government. All such nobility titles were abolished by 1828. The Order was re-established in 1921 and was awarded for exceptional achievements in civilian and military activities, in six grades: Grand Cross with Diamonds, Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight.