(Orden del Sol del Perú). Reinstated on April 21, 1921. Type II (1921-present). An outstanding and very scarce Grand Cross breast star, consisting of a multirayed eighteen-pointed sun in silver gilt, the obverse centre featuring a fine superposed 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 with central medallion inscribed EL SOL DEL PERÚ - GRAN CRUZ (Peruvian Sun - Grand Cross), encircled by an engraved laurel wreath, presenting principal slider, marked by Peruvian hallmark “925” for sterling silver, denoting 0.925g of silver fineness, measuring 81.83 mm (w) x 82.26 mm (h), with minor toned silver on the obverse, otherwise near mint condition.
Footnote: Created just after the end of the War of Independence of Peru, the Order of the Sun was founded by the revolutionary hero General San Martin in 1821 to reward the Peruvian, Argentine, and Chilean Officers who had distinguished themselves in the Peruvian War of Independence. The Order was discontinued on March 9, 1825. Some examples of this Order are exposed by different museums in South America. The Order was 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.