Mexico: Felipe V Portrait gold 8 Escudos 1733Mo-F,...

Description

A Splendid Portrait 8 Escudos of 1733

Felipe V Portrait gold 8 Escudos 1733Mo-F, KM148, Cayon-10030, Calico-422, MS64 NGC, an outstanding coin with slight soft strike in the center fields. Well-set colors with a rich subdued gold patina, bold legends and strong rims. This coin looks like it has just sat around for almost 300 years!

Felipe V, King of Spain, known as Philip to most of the world, was born at Versailles on December 19, 1683. As the first king of the Bourbon dynasty (which rules Spain to this day), he inherited the kingdom from Charles II, who died without an heir. Felipe actually reigned twice, from 1700 to 1724, and then again from 1725 to 1746. He produced a considerable amount of diverse coinage, the best of which feature his armored bust, and flowing locks cascading down over his shoulder.

In 1732, the mintage of gold coins was changed at the Mexico City mint from the medieval style featuring a huge cross and the royal crest to the portrait type. The initial dates of 1732 and 1733 are very rare, with only the letter "F" being featured as the assayer's initial (this changed to "MF" in 1734). The specimen we present here is nothing short of amazing, seemingly in better condition than the Cayon plate coin and certainly better centered. Krause simply lists this coin as "Rare" while Calico calls it "Muy Rara" (or Very Rare). The buyer of this wonderful specimen will certainly make a significant addition to his/her collection. Another 1733 8 Escudos from Mexico in the same grade realized $54,625 in our January 2009 NYINC sale (lot 21900).

Metal: Gold
Weight: 27.0674g
AGW: 0.798oz

More information about Mexican Coins. See also: Mexico World Coin Nationality.

View Certification Details from NGC