The weekly iAuctions here at Stack’s Bowers Galleries are a great source for collectible coins within a reasonable budget! Every month (closing on the first Sunday of the month) these iAuctions will contain World and/or Ancient coins, with the inclusion of some very notable highlights such as this piece, a lovely Mexican 8 Escudos from 1743. Issued during the reign of the Spanish monarch King Philip V, who reigned from 1700 to 1724, abdicated for a brief interlude for his son Louis I to rule for a mere seven months before dying of smallpox. Philip V then resumed his reign until his death in 1746. This coin was minted towards the end of his reign.
The obverse displays a proud armored bust of Philip V, wearing the Order of the Golden Fleece. The inscription translates as: “Philip V, by the Grace of God, King of Spain and the Indies” and the date of 1743 appears just below. The reverse contains an intricate shield depicting the complex and stunning coat of arms of the King of Spain. The Crown appears above, and along either side of the shield appears the Order of the Golden Fleece, a famous Order that has existed for almost 600 years. Between the chain of the Order 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.” This inscription was the official motto of Philip V. This piece has received from PCGS a wholesome grade of EF-45. This presents an opportunity to own this popular type in a respectable grade with a good amount of luster remaining between the devices.
Look for this and other numismatic pieces in our upcoming iAuctions. These are held every Monday to Sunday, with world numismatic items being included in the sales that end on the first Sunday of every month. Preview this impressive coin along with the rest of our iAuction items at the Browse Auctions link at www.StacksBowers.com. If you are interested in consigning your coins and paper currency for our iAuctions (whether a whole collection or a single rarity) be sure to contact one of our consignment directors by calling 800.458.4646.
