Description: The 1707 (RARE) Peru 8 Escudos coin is a dazzling gem in the world of Spanish colonial numismatic history, crafted with pride in the bustling city of Lima, Peru. This gold coin, affectionately known as a "cob," captures the essence of its era with a design that mirrors the minting techniques and artistic flair of the time. This particular piece has incredible Centering on the Cross side and proudly displays the cross of Jerusalem with Legends. The underlying toning really Pops the devices. Approx. only 7 Certified with NGC! On the obverse side, the coin proudly displays the iconic "Pillars and Waves" motif, a signature of Spanish colonial coinage. Two majestic pillars, symbolizing the Pillars of Hercules, stand tall with a banner draped between them. This banner proclaims "PLVS VLTRA," meaning "More Beyond," a bold declaration of Spain's ambitions and conquests in the New World. Beneath the pillars, waves dance, representing the vital sea routes connecting Spain to its far-flung colonies. This side of the coin also bears the mint mark "L" for Lima and the assayer's initial "H" for Francisco Hurtado, along with the date 1707, grounding it firmly in history. The reverse side is equally captivating, featuring a Jerusalem cross, a staple in Spanish colonial coinage. This cross is flanked by lions and castles in the quarters, symbolizing the powerful union of the kingdoms of León and Castile. Encircling this design is a legend that typically honors the reigning monarch, King Philip V of Spain, with the inscription "PHILIPPVS V D G HISPANIARVM ET INDIARVM REX." However, due to the irregular shape and striking of cob coins, this legend may not always be fully visible. The historical significance of the 8 Escudos coins, especially those minted in Lima, is noteworthy. Lima's mint was renowned for its relatively consistent quality, producing coins with clear dates, mint marks, and assayer initials—features often missing in coins from other mints like Mexico and Colombia. The 1707 8 Escudos coin emerged during the early 18th century, a time of intense historical drama marked by the War of Spanish Succession and the subsequent consolidation of Spanish power in its American colonies under the Bourbon dynasty. This coin is not just a piece of gold but a vivid relic of a bygone era, telling a story of conquest, ambition, and the artistry of a colonial world 1715 Fleet Shipwreck History: Imagine a fleet of Spanish galleons, laden with treasure from the New World, sailing back to Spain in 1715. The air is thick with anticipation, as the riches of the Americas – gold, silver, emeralds, and pearls – were set to arrive in Europe. The fleet, known as the 1715 Plate Fleet, consisted of 11 ships carrying treasure valued at over 14 million pesos. This immense fortune was intended to replenish the depleted coffers of King Philip V of Spain. But destiny had a different plan. On the night of July 31, 1715, a massive hurricane struck off the coast of Florida. The ferocious winds and towering waves showed no mercy, and one by one, the ships of the fleet succumbed to the storm's fury. Only one ship, the French vessel "Grifon," managed to escape. The remaining 10 ships were reduced to wreckage, scattered along the ocean floor. The treasure they carried, meant for the Spanish crown, was lost beneath the waves, and with it, nearly 1,000 sailors perished in the disaster. For centuries, the fate of the 1715 Fleet remained one of the great mysteries of maritime history. Tales of the lost treasure stirred the imaginations of treasure hunters and adventurers. It wasn’t until the 20th century that the shipwrecks were rediscovered, and the legend was revived. In 1961, famed treasure hunter Kip Wagner and his Real Eight Company began to recover astonishing riches from the wrecks, including gold coins, silver bars, and precious artifacts. Their efforts sparked a modern-day treasure hunt and brought to light the extraordinary wealth that had lain hidden for over two centuries. The story of the 1715 Fleet is a saga of ambition, loss, and rediscovery. The treasure recovered includes thousands of gold and silver coins, intricate jewelry, and religious artifacts, showcasing the opulence of the Spanish Empire. Among the most notable finds are the gold "escudo" coins and the silver "reales," which are highly sought after by collectors today. The 1715 Fleet disaster is a reminder of the perils faced by those who sought fortune on the high seas and the enduring allure of sunken treasure. Even today, the waters off the coast of Florida continue to yield their secrets, offering glimpses of a bygone era and the enduring quest for gold. Modern salvage operations and treasure hunters still scour the area, hoping to find what remains of the lost fleet's immense fortune.32
Price: 48500 USD
Location: La Jolla, California
End Time: 2024-09-02T15:48:16.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Composition: Gold
Year: 1699
Currency: Escudo
Grade: AU 55
Country/Region of Manufacture: Peru
Certification: NGC