Peru. An Order of the Sun of Peru, Grand Cross Set, c. 1960

(Orden El Sol del Perú). Instituted in 1821. The Grand Cross Badge in silver gilt and enamel consists of a eighteen-pointed sun, the obverse center featuring a fine Peruvian coat of arms on a bright gilded background, encircled by a silver ring with encrusted twelve jewel-cut diamonds, circumscribed by an enameled red and white border inscribed EL SOL DEL PERU 1821, as well by a large enameled green laurel wreath with tied ribbon, the reverse marked CASA NACIONAL DE MONEDA LIMA- PERÚ, 91 mm (h) x 58 mm (w), extremely fine. Accompanied by the Grand Cross Breast Star consisting of a multi rayed eighteen-pointed sun in silver gilt, the obverse center featuring a fine Peruvian coat of arms on a bright gilded background, encircled by a silver ring with encrusted twelve jewel-cut diamonds, circumscribed by an enameled red and white border inscribed EL SOL DEL PERU 1821, as well by a large enameled green laurel wreath with tied ribbon, the reverse marked CASA NACIONAL DE MONEDA LIMA- PERÚ, 81.83 mm (w) x 82.26 mm (h), extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of the Sun (Orden del Sol) was founded by the revolutionary hero General San Martin in 1821 to reward the Peruvian, Argentinian, and Chilean Officers who had distinguished themselves in the Peruvian War of Independence. The Order was discontinued on March 9, 1825 and then reinstated on April 21, 1921 to commemorate the centennial of the declaration of Peruvian independence. It was designed to reward civilians and military personnel, both national and foreign, in recognition of meritorious service to the nation in fields such as arts, letters, culture, and politics.