Peru, Republic. An Order of the Peruvian Sun, Grand Cross Set, by The National Mint

(Orden del Sol). Instituted in 1821, Discontinued in 1825, Re-established in 1921. A Grand Cross Set, comprising a sash badge, multi-piece construction, a silver gilt starburst of 18 rays, each ray bearing five emanating rays with textured edges, the obverse medallion presenting the Peruvian coat of arms encircled by a red and white enamel ring inscribed EL SOL DEL PERU 1821, surrounded by a wreath in silver gilt, surmounted by a green enamelled wreath, the reverse plain with the center maker marked CASA DE MONEDA / LIMA - PERU (National Mint, Lima, Peru), measures 58.1 mm (w) x 88.8mm (h - inclusive of the wreath suspension), weighs 39.83 grams, worn on a full length sash in purple silk, the wreath suspension demonstrating gilt wear on obverse and reverse, enamels intact, sash faded, in near extremely fine condition. 

The Star of the Order, in silver gilt, a large starburst of 18 rays, each ray bearing five emanating rays with textured edges, the obverse medallion presenting the Peruvian coat of arms encircled by a red and white enamel ring inscribed EL SOL DEL PERU 1821, with a beaded ring on each side, surrounded by a wreath in silver gilt, the reverse with a raised barrel hinge, vertical round wire pinback, and rightward-facing round wire catch, with two downward-pointing stays for secure attachment to an uniform, the center marked CASA DE MONEDA / LIMA - PERU (National Mint, Lima, Peru), measures 79.37 mm (w) x 79.53 mm (h), weighs 84.59 grams, the star exhibiting loss of green enamel to wreath around medallion, and slight gilt wear behind the coat of arms, hinge and catch functional, remains in very fine condition. 

Footnote: Born in 1898 in Mexico, Luis Padilla Nervo developed an early passion for politics while studying law at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. His career on the global stage began in 1945, when he signed the United Nations Charter on behalf of Mexico at the San Francisco Conference. Padilla Nervo made history as Mexico’s first Ambassador to the United Nations and served as a member of the United Nations Security Council. In 1951, he reached another milestone by becoming President of the General Assembly during its sixth session. After his time at the UN, Padilla Nervo held several key positions in Mexico’s government, serving in the Ministries of Education, Interior, and Labor. His distinguished career continued with his election to the International Court of Justice, where he served as a judge from 1964 to 1973—becoming only the second Mexican to hold that position. In recognition of his lifetime of achievements, he was honored with the prestigious Grand Crosses from over 30 nations celebrating his enduring contributions to diplomacy, law, and public service.