963. Puerto Rico (under Spain), gold-colored
bronze medal, 1893, first place prize at an exposition for the 400th anniversary of the discovery of the island. 53.64 grams. High relief, UNC with luster,
showing a bust of Columbus with ship and globe in background on obverse, CON MOTIVO DEL 4O CENTENARIO DEL DESCUBRIMIENTO DE LA ISLA and PREMIO AL MERITO inside legend EXPOSICION DE PUERTO RICO with 1893 date at bottom on reverse, engraved by Castells. Estimate: $1,000-up.
Venezuela
964. Venezuela, silver medal, deliverance of Simón Bolívar from assassination in 1828 (struck 1829), very rare and im-
portant. Urdaneta Braschi-I.A.12. 44.68 grams. This famous medal was struck to honor Bolívar’s aide, L.D. Palacios, for his heroism in delaying a would-be assassin long enough for Bolívar to escape on September 25, 1828, although the act is more properly attributed to Bolívar’s mistress, Manuela Saenz, whom he later called “Libertadora del Libertador.” The design consists of Bolívar’s bust on a pedestal on the obverse and the all-seeing eye in a radiant pyramid on the reverse above the words L. D. P. / SALVO LA VIDA / DEL LIBERTADOR / SIMON BOLÍVAR / LA NOCHE DEL 25. DE SEP. / DE 1825. While it is generally accepted that L. D. P. stands for the initials of Bolívar’s aide, this medal is sometimes referred to as “La Divina Providencia,” and a population of just 10 specimens made is often reported. Choice XF with light toning and lustrous fields, minor natural rim-flaws. Housed in an antique medal box. Estimate: $5,000-$7,500.
Bolivia (Republic) 965. Potosí, Bolivia, oval silver uniface military decoration, 1825, liberation
of Cochabamba, very rare, ex-Derman collection. Cunietti-15 (page 135). 7.72 grams,
1” x 7/8”. With sun above olive branches inside legend P.L. PATRIA A LOS FIELES L.D. COCHABANBA (sic) inside a tulip border, this medal was issued by Sucre’s decree of February 1825 and given to the troops under Antonio Sturnino Sánchez. Officers received medals in gold and silver but the lower ranks received patches instead. VF with toning around details, loop at top. For further information see: Vicente Lecuna, Documentos referentes a la fundacion de Bolivia, Volume I (Caracas, 1924), page 97. Pedigreed to the Alberto “Coco” Derman collection. Estimate: $4,000-$6,000.
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