THE ARAUCANIA – PATAGONIA 100 PESOS

The story of this unrecognized kingdom began in 1860 when French lawyer and adventurer Orelie-Antoine de Tounens visited the region and turned sympathetic to the local tribal leaders struggling for independence against the governments of Chile and Argentina. His efforts were futile against the might of the Chilean military, which captured, imprisoned and deported him on multiple occasions and, at one point, locked him in a madhouse. Before he died penniless in Paris, he anointed a successor, a fellow Frenchman and Champagne salesman named Gustave Laciarde, who upon accession styled himself King Aquiles I. One hundred and twenty-eight years after the founding of the kingdom, then-Prince Philippe (said to have purchased the title) authorized coinage to be produced. The obverse features a right facing bare head of Philippe, with "Araucania – Patagonia" around and "Felipe R." below. The reverse displays a half wreath, with "Reino Del Mapu" above and "100 / Pesos / 1988" at center. The coin offers an interesting view into this curious and sometimes comic period of history.

To read the complete lot description, see:
ARGENTINA. Araucania-Patagonia. 100 Pesos, 1988. (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-96LUW)

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