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Auction: 394 - Coins, Commemorative Medals, Autographs and Documents - e-Auction
Lot: 362

Peru. Republica. Proclamation Medal dedicated to General Luis José de Orbegoso, 1834. Silver, 34mm. 17.19 gms. View of the Real Felipe Fortress in Callao, radiant sun at left, ship at right; EL PERU A ORBEGOSO, rev. POR EL 3. DE ENERO DE 1834 within wreath.

On December 20, 1833, the constitutional term of President Augustín Gamarra ended. Because of failed elections months before, no successor had been chosen, so the National Convention agreed to choose a provisional president. General Luis José de Orbegoso, the Liberals choice, with 47 votes, beat out the Conservative choice, General Pedro Bermúdez, who had 37 votes. Orbegoso assumed power on the 21st of December. But Gamarra, who still had key positions of power, and his supporters, harassed the new administration seeking to supplant it with General Bermúdez, claiming that the National Convention didn't have the right to choose a president.

Orbegoso, fearing a coup, took refuge in Callao's Real Felipe Fortress, where he installed his government and began to relieve the Gamarristas of command of the army. The next day, the Lima Garrison revolted and proclaimed Bermúdez as their Supreme Chief, while Bermúdist troops laid siege to the fortress of Callao. Bermúdez, though, was not widely favored. When the troops besieging Callao were forced in late January to retreat and pass through Lima, the citizens there rose-up against the Bermúdist soldiers and defeated them. Bermúdez and his supporters fled to the mountains, while Orbegoso, cheered by the crowds, entered Lima triumphantly. The Civil War ended April 24, 1834, when the opposition's forces finally recognized Orbegoso's authority.

Fonrobert 9190. Lavender gray over some old pinscatches left obverse field. About Uncirculated.