Date of introduction 1898 User(s) Peru | Date of withdrawal 1931 | |
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Banknotes ⁄2 libra, 1 libra, 5 libras, 10 libras Coins ⁄5 libra, ⁄2 libra, 1 libra Central bank Reserve Bank of Peru (1922–1931) | ||
The libra, also known as the libra peruana de oro ("Peruvian gold pound"), was a unit of currency issued in Peru between 1898 and 1931. It was equivalent to 10 soles and was issued in the form of gold coins and banknotes, which circulated alongside coins denominated in centavos and soles. The gold libra was equal to the British sovereign.
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History
The first libra coins were minted in 1898, to the same standard as the British sovereign (113 grains of pure gold). In 1901, Peru adopted a gold standard based on the libra worth 10 soles. The gold standard was maintained until 1932 (see Peruvian sol for more details). Coins were issued until 1930, banknotes until 1933.
Coins
Three denominations were minted. The 1 libra was for issued circulation between 1898 and 1930, the ½ libra between 1902 and 1913, and the 1⁄5 libra between 1905 and 1930.