By Chris Chatigny, Numismatist & Cataloger – Stacks Bowers ……
This week’s highlight from our upcoming New York International (NYINC) 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.
