2016-10-14 Fri

12 million new sol coins were issued as the final edition of Peru’s Wealth and Pride series of collectors’ coins featuring Tacna’s 1959 60-foot Parabolic Arch made of Cantera stone. The Arch is surrounded by two 10-foot bronze statues of Miguel Grau and Francisco Bolognesi, the salient heroes of the War of the Pacific when Chile ruled over Lima for three years in the 19th century.

Peru’s cities of Arica and Tacna were transferred to Chile after the Ancon Treaty, under the condition that a referendum would be held by both the cities in 50 years to determine its nationality.

Even though the referendums never took place, American delegate John J. Pershing declared that Chile had organized an intimidation campaign to have control over the cities. Arica and Tacna were given back to Chile and Peru respectively after the Lima Treaty of 1929, and Tacna became a part of Peru after 50 years.

The oval arch is like the shape of the Paseo Civico [promenade] and the ‘Votive Lamp’ (a bronze oil lamp like a plate, with eight swords and eight anchors representing the Army and Navy of Peru) is found in the front which is lit for patriotic ceremonies.