Hi, some help please. My catalog only goes to 2000. I have attached three coins. The first is the normal Chile 5 peso (KM 232), second without "S" (Santiago) and the third with an "A" mint mark. I cannot find what the "A" means. Can someone with an updated world catalog check if this is noted.
According to the Schön catalog, the 2001 pieces were made by the South African Mint. The "A" could refer to the mint in Berlin, Germany, but I am not sure ... Christian
From a quick google search, I think it stands for a blank made by the Armat S.A. company in Quilpué, Chile ... I will warn you though, I know next to nothing about Chilean pesos.
According to the 2010 Krause catalogue this is all the info they have for your coin. They probably haven't gotten the updated information from the Chilean mint in Santiago yet. Your 2002 5 Pesos may be the "narrow date" type. MINT MARK So – Santiago (ml) – Maple leaf – Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) KM# 232 5 PESOS 2.1600 g., Aluminum-Bronze, 16.43 mm. Obv: Gen. Bernardo O'Higgins bust right Obv. Legend: REPUBLICA - DE CHILE Rev: Denomination above date within wreath Edge: Plain Shape: 8-sided Note: Varieties exist. 2001So Narrow date 2001So (sa) Wide date Note: Without name of sculptor 2002So Narrow date 2002So Wide date 2003So 2004So 2005So 2006So
This Link to the website of the Sociedad Numismatica de Chile explains the mintmarks on the 5 Peso Coin. Mintmarks A and B exist. B was for coin struck in South africa. A for coins truck by a private company in Chile. http://www.numismatica.cl/cronica12.html. Derick if you are in Santiago, and interested as you are in Chilean coinage it may be very interesting for you to visit the ANUCH (Chilean Numismatic Society). I think they have regular meetings and also hold auctions.
