This week’s highlight from our upcoming New York International Auction is
an exemplary 8 Escudos of Mexico from the reign of Philip V. He reigned from
1700 to 1724, then abdicated for a brief interlude during which his son Louis I
ruled for seven months before dying of smallpox. Philip V then resumed his
reign until his death in 1746. This coin was minted during the final year of
the mentally fragile ruler’s reign, though a posthumous striking in 1747 would
occur as well.
An ornate and regal bust of King Philip V in armor, wearing the Order of
the Golden Fleece facing right creates the centerpiece of the obverse design.
The portrait is surrounded by his royal titles: “PHILIP. V. D. G. HISPAN. ET
IND. REX.” Translating as: “Philip V, by the Grace of God, King of Spain and
the Indies.” The date appears below the bust, flanked by two rosettes. The
reverse displays an intricate shield depicting the complex coat of arms of the
King of Spain. The Crown appears above the shield and between the legend and
the heraldic shield are displayed the assayer’s initials on the left and an “8”
for 8 Escudos on the right. The inscription reads: “INITIUM SAPIENTIAE TIMOR
DOMINI” which translates to “Beginning of Wisdom is Fear of the Lord,” the
official motto of Philip V. This example has received a grade of MS-63 from
NGC, and currently stands as the finest certified example of this date (and the
overdate varieties) by either PCGS or NGC. It has certainly earned its grade,
with considerable flash and luster, and a crisp strike.
While we are no longer accepting consignments for our New York
International Auction, we are accepting consignments of world and ancient coins
as well as world paper money for our May 2017 Collector’s Choice Online Auction
and Chinese and other Asian coins and currency for our April 2017 Hong Kong
Showcase Auction and August ANA Auction. Time is running short, so if you are
interested in consigning your coins and paper currency (whether a whole
collection or a single rarity) be sure to contact one of our consignment
directors
