The verified "Libertad" ten pesos: KM116, 1853–1857 — 16.4 g of .900 gold with the incuse LIBERTAD headband, from Bogotá and Popayán.
History
- Correction to a common misattribution: the famous 1840s "Libertad" large gold is the 16 pesos (KM94, from 1837) — no 1847–48 10 pesos exists.
- The verified 10 pesos "Libertad" is KM116, 1853–1857: obverse "REPUBLICA DE LA NUEVA GRANADA LIBERTAD" with Liberty bust left; reverse "BOGOTA. PESO-16,400. G. LEI 0,900".
- Struck at Bogotá and Popayán.
- Related: the 10 pesos 1858–1862 of the Granadine Confederation (KM129), 16.129 g .900, with condor-perched arms on the reverse.
Key dates & varieties
- The incuse "LIBERTAD" headband lettering is the key diagnostic of the early republican gold series; weak strikes are common — look for full headband detail.
- Note: republican 8 escudos gold already existed from 1822, so this was not Colombia’s first republican gold.
Specifications
- Weight: 16.4 g; fineness .900 gold.
Collector notes
- Attribute by the headband: full, sharp "LIBERTAD" lettering separates choice examples from the typically weak strikes.