1969-So Uruguay 1000P F.A.O. Silver PCGS MS65 GEM

Description

Commemorative issue
FAO
Obverse
Stylized radiant sun with face
Lettering:
- URUGUAY -
MIL PESOS
Translation:
1000 Pesos
Reverse
Assorted stylized designs within circle
Lettering:
- FAO -
FIAT 1969 PANIS
Translation:
FIAT PANIS: Latin= Make food
Edge
Inscripted
Lettering:
REPUBLICA ORIENTAL DEL URUGUAY
Comments
This coin was created to adhere to the numismatic FAO program and is present on sets "Food for All" (Panel 2A) and FAO Album (page 9). The design is based upon the esthetical style created by the uruguayan artist Joaquin Torres Garcia (known as "Constructive Universalism" or "Constructivism").
On the obverse shows a Sun, Constuctivist version, and on reverse several symbols. Torres Garcia thought art should not copy nature, but not negate it either. Symbols are modern, but also remind native symbolism. They are so simple and bidimensionals, that evocate primitive art, and are very easy to understand them, main are: the fish (Nature), the triangle (Reason), the heart (feelings), man and woman.
Meanings of the symbols on reverse:
1:
Creator's Face;
2:
carpenter's square;
3:
Universal Man, no races;
4:
eel (representing sea element;
5:
oxen yoke ;
6:
seeds;
7:
bird and seed;
8:
fruit tree branch;
9:
shovel;
10:
buoy (fishing stuff);
11:
tray to keep water and a seed;
12:
fruit tree stakes;
13:
axe;
14:
ploughshare;
15:
cow and seed;
16:
lizzard;
17:
grinding grain mortar.
There is a variant of this coin, where there is a small line from left eye of the Sun towards the nose; is known as "teardrop".
Also some coins have the inscription that can be read with obverse up, and others with reverse up; so combining teardrop/no teardrop and reading up/down, it makes a total of 4 variants.
Teardrop is not described in main catalogues, but frequently is mentioned in auction sites. Position of incription is rarely described.
Year
Mintage
G
VG
F
VF
XF
AU
UNC
1969 So
350
Casa de Moneda de Chile; Proof
1969 So
500,000
15.96
20.23
Casa de Moneda de Chile; with teardrop
1969 So
Casa de Moneda de Chile; without teardrop