Lot 962
Bolivia. One Melgarejo, 1865-F.P. Eliz-126; KM-146. Bust of General Melgarejo left, in ornate military uniform. Reverse Lengend: "Gratitud del Pueblo Potosino" around edge. Rare this nice. NGC graded MS-62.
Melgarejo is probably the worst dictator in South American history. He was obdurate, uneducated, and unprincipaled. He was cruel, and supervised the execution of thousands of native Bolivian Indians. He gave away land to Brazil for no good reason, which infuriated patriotic Bolivians. It is said that when Prussia attacked France in 1870, he wished to help defend Paris. When his generals said it was in Europe and too far away, he asked them to find a shortcut.
Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000.
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| Realized $2,645 |
