Peru Silver Medal 1862 - Foundation of the Port of Callao - Ramón Castilla (1845-1851, 1855-1862)

69.31g. 47mm. Nice exemplar with attractive old patina. 

Medalier: R. Britten (R. BRITTEN LIMA at truncation).

Fonrobert 9193. Zapata 862.04. 

Rare. 

Obv.: Uniformed and decorated bust of President Ramón Castilla left, wearing sash and orders. 

Inscription around: 

RAMON CASTILLA 

Rev.: Eleven-line commemorative inscription within wreath border. 

Inscription: 

MUELLE Y DIQUE DEL CALLAO / DECRETADOS / EL 21 DE NOVE 1861 / S. E. EL PRESIDENTE / GRAN MARISCAL / D. RAMON CASTILLA / COLOCO LA PRIMERA PIEDRA / EL 21 DE JUNIO 1862 / INGENIERO Y DIRECTOR / DE LA OBRA / ALEXN PRENTICE 

(Pier and dock of Callao / decreed / on 21 November 1861 / His Excellency the President / Grand Marshal / Don Ramón Castilla / laid the first stone / on 21 June 1862 / engineer and director / of the work / Alexn. Prentice). 

Ramón Castilla was one of the most important political and military figures in 19th-century Peru. A soldier, statesman, and reformer, he played a central role in consolidating the Peruvian Republic after independence and served multiple times as president. His administration is especially associated with modernization, fiscal reform, and major public works made possible by the prosperity of the guano era. 

The Port of Callao, Peru’s principal Pacific harbor, was of decisive importance to the country’s trade, naval defense, and communications. The decree of 21 November 1861 and the laying of the foundation stone on 21 June 1862 marked a major stage in the development of modern port infrastructure at Callao. Such works reflected Peru’s broader effort to strengthen its economy and international position through investment in transport and maritime facilities.