The Silich Collection of Historical and Art Medals (Part I)

CHILE, Ferrocarril Transandino por Antuco [Trans-Andean Railway through Antuco], 1906, a plated bronze medal by Bellagamba y Rossi, standing robed female, holding palm branch and parchment, rev. the Antuco volcano in a mountainous landscape, train approaching a tunnel at upper right, arms of Argentina and Chile above, 65mm, 103.99g (Moyaux –; cf. Höhn e13, 4436). Very fine £30-£40

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Silich Collection of Historical and Art Medals.

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Collection

Baldwin Auction, 7 February 2004, lot 511

In 1903 a concession was granted to the Uruguayan businessman José Justino Beláustegui to build a long-awaited inter-oceanic route, starting from Monte Águila. The works began in 1905, and by 1906 the first 50km had been built, which led to the issue of this medal in Buenos Aires. The planned stations were Charrúa, Campanario, Cholguán, Huépil, Trupán, Polcura, to then cross the Laja River and continue with the stations of Quillay-Lebu, Malalcura, Chacay, Volcán, Frontera and Deslinde. But the devastating earthquake in Valparaíso on 16 September 1906 prevented the line’s inauguration.