73 coins with high historical value —minted in the Imperial Roman era, as well as in the Medieval, Byzantine, and Renaissance periods of Europe— were handed over by Peru's Foreign Affairs and Culture Ministries to the Italian Embassy in Lima.
In total, 42 coins from the Imperial Roman era were presented that would date from the 2nd to the 4th century after Christ, plus other 31 coins from the Medieval, Byzantine, and Renaissance periods and the 19th century —minted on Italian soil.
All these coins were seized at Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport in the southern-Andean city of Cusco in 2020 and had been guarded by Peruvian authorities since then.
Peru-Italy: Excellent ties
"The occasion that summons us would not be possible without the collaboration of our customs and police authorities, as well as of the Ministry of Culture," Deputy Minister Higueras emphasized.
All these institutions
"provided important support to the Foreign Affairs Ministry in its work of identification, restitution, protection, and repatriation of Peruvian heritage abroad, as well as in the handing over of cultural assets from other countries recovered in Peru."
The Peruvian dignitary highlighted the excellent ties between Peru and Italy —one year prior to commemorating 150 years of diplomatic relations.
In this sense, international cooperation for the protection of cultural heritage and the fight against the illicit trafficking of cultural property stands out, which in recent times has materialized in the repatriation of cultural property seized in said country.
Foreign cultural policy
"We are honored that Peru can return these pieces, in compliance with its international commitments concerning the protection of cultural heritage which, in light of the 1970 UNESCO Convention, is the common responsibility of all States," Deputy Minister Higueras said.
"In fact, one of the main objectives of our foreign cultural policy is the frontal fight against the illicit traffic of cultural goods," he added.