The 2002 Charlotte Coin commemorates the 40^th anniversary of Charlotte's sister city relationship with Arequipa, Peru.

Arequipa became Charlotte's first sister city in 1962. Arequipa, named the "Ciudad Blanca" (White City) because of its many beautiful buildings made of ashlar (Chechani's petrified volcanic ash), is nestled between the sea and the mountains in southern Peru.

Arequipa rests 2,336 meters above sea level on the foothills of three volcanoes -- Chechani, Pichu Pichu and Misti. 

Park It! introduced the first Charlotte Coin in January 1999 as the validation tool for the Park! Center City program. The Charlotte Coin makes it more convenient and less expensive to visit Charlotte's Center City.

When patrons visit Center City businesses participating in the Park! Center City program, they receive a $1 Charlotte Coin that is accepted in parking meters and at parking lots and garages where a Park! Center City banner is displayed.

The Charlotte Coin is also redeemable for free rides on local CATS routes and the Charlotte Trolley.

A commemorative edition of the 2002 Charlotte Coin is available in silver at a cost of $20. The commemorative coin weighs one troy ounce with a purity of 0.999 fine silver. Each coin bears its mint number on the edge and is encapsulated and boxed. Bi-metal tokens are also available at a cost of $1.

To purchase a special collector's edition of the 2002 Charlotte/Arequipa Coin in a commemorative gift casing, visit the Park It! office at 229 S. Brevard Street or charge by phone by calling Park It! at 704-375-3177.