O'Higgins Pioche

The O'Higgins Pioche is a pentagram of about 7 cm in diameter, enameled in red.

This was the name given to a medal that Bernardo O'Higgins ordered to be put on the presidential sash.

The relic was a gift by O'Higgins to José Gregorio Argomedo (1767–1830) after his abdication in January 1823.

The original piocha remained intact until the 1973 coup, when it disappeared during the bombing of La Moneda Palace.

The "Pioche de O'Higgins" is the element that symbolizes the transfer of power from one president to the next one during the ceremony of change of command.