A Masterpiece of Latin America's Golden Age

A Celebrated Tribute to the Incan Sun God — The Iconic 50 Soles Overdate Gold Coin (1964/3)

Among the most admired coins in South American numismatics, this stunning Peruvian gold coin honors the cultural and spiritual legacy of the Inca Empire. Featuring extraordinary beauty, high preservation, and extreme rarity, this 50 Soles coin represents the best of Latin America’s historic coinage.

■ Design

Obverse:
A seated goddess beside a shield adorned with the radiant sun — a symbol of the Inca sun god
Inscription: CINCUENTA SOLES ORO GRS. 21.0632 DE ORO FINO
(Translation: “Fifty Soles gold coin, contains 21.0632 grams of pure gold”)

Reverse:
National coat of arms of the Republic of Peru
Inscription: PESO: GRS. 23.40355 – REPUBLICA PERUANA – NUEVE DECIMOS FINO – LIMA
(Translation: “Weight: 23.40355 grams – Republic of Peru – Nine-tenths fine – Lima Mint”)
The Peruvian coat of arms features:

• A vicuña (symbolizing national wildlife)

• The cantuta flower (Peru’s national flower)

• A cornucopia spilling gold (symbolizing the nation's rich resources)

■ Unique Feature: Overdate “1964/3”

This coin is an overdate variety, where the digit "4" in the year 1964 was struck over a previously engraved "3". This error occurred when the 1963 die was reused, and a new date was impressed over the old — leaving behind faint traces of the original year.

Overdates are prized for their rarity and numismatic uniqueness, offering insights into minting practices and adding layers of collectibility far beyond standard issues.

■ Grade

MS65 – NGC Certified
View NGC Certification

■ Coin Details

• Date: 1964 (overdate: 1964/3)

• Mint: Lima, Peru

• Denomination: 50 Soles

• Mintage: Only 2,425 coins

• Metal: Gold (90% purity)

• Weight: 23.41 g

• Diameter: 30 mm

• Grade: MS65 (Mint State)

• NGC Census: 30 coins certified

■ Rarity

This 50 Soles coin is among the most elusive in the South American gold coin series.
Only 2,425 pieces were struck in this overdate format, and NGC has certified just 30 examples to date. That puts this coin in a true ultra-low population category.

According to NGC’s census:

• MS67: 1 coin

• MS66+: 1 coin

• MS66: 5 coins

• MS65+: 1 coin

• MS65: 13 coins (including this example)

With only eight coins certified above MS65, this piece sits just below the top of the population rankings.

■ Condition

Graded MS65 by NGC, this coin shows outstanding preservation.
Despite being nearly 60 years old, it retains mirror-like surfaces, sharp details, and no notable signs of circulation. The seated goddess, shield, and national emblem remain crisp and vibrant — a testament to both careful minting and impeccable long-term storage.

Its condition highlights the refined aesthetic and technical precision of the Lima Mint during this era.

■ Historical & Market Significance

Issued during Peru’s economic expansion in the 1960s, this coin reflects the country’s growing confidence on the international stage. The "Goddess Seated" design was created not merely for bullion purposes, but also to promote monetary stability and cultural pride.

From 1950 to 1970, Peru produced a series of highly artistic gold coins, many in very limited numbers, which today are prized by both collectors and investors.

The 1964/3 overdate variant is one of the rarest in the series — both in mintage and certified population. Its combination of historical nuance, visual symbolism, and pristine condition makes it a coin of incomparable distinction.

With rising global interest in Latin American numismatics, these coins have gained recognition for their investment potential.
Many pieces in this series have multiplied in value over the past decade, reflecting growing demand from a worldwide collector base.

■ Final Assessment

This 1964/3 50 Soles gold coin is more than a beautiful artifact — it is a reflection of Peruvian identity, minting excellence, and global historical relevance.

Its:

• Overdate uniqueness

• MS65 preservation

• Tiny certified population

• Low original mintage

• Deep cultural symbolism

all combine to make it a rare treasure of South American numismatics.

Whether acquired for its artistic appeal, its historic importance, or its investment-grade quality, this coin represents a truly distinguished addition to any world-class collection.

It is a piece that rarely appears on the market, and when it does, it is quickly claimed by discerning collectors.
We strongly encourage adding this coin to your portfolio while it remains available.