$22,000.00 USD
The Reign of Philip V and Early 18th Century Spain
The 1711 Spain Gold 8 Escudos was minted during the reign of Philip V (1700-1746), the first Bourbon monarch of Spain whose ascension followed the contentious War of the Spanish Succession. This conflict between major European powers reshaped the continent's political landscape and marked a new era for Spain, which maintained a vast global empire despite the challenges of war.
During this period, Spain continued to extract considerable wealth from the rich gold and silver mines of the Americas, with treasures transported via large fleets such as the ill-fated 1715 Fleet, which famously sank carrying immense quantities of precious metals back to Spain. The year 1711 falls within this historically significant period of transition between the Habsburg and Bourbon dynasties.
Philip V implemented significant reforms to centralize royal authority and modernize Spain's institutions, including efforts to consolidate coinage production in Madrid. These changes would have direct implications for the coinage issued during his reign, particularly from the Madrid mint.
The subject coin features several notable characteristics:
Obverse: The crowned Bourbon coat of arms representing the kingdoms under Spanish rule, with the legend "PHILIPPVS V DEI GRATIA" (Philip V by the Grace of God).
Reverse: The Jerusalem Cross within a quatrefoil, symbolizing the union of church and state, surrounded by the legend "HISPANIARUM REX" (King of the Spains) and the date "1711/0S".
Seville mint, KM260, Cal-171, Fr-247. Retrograde S. Obv. Crowned Bourbon Coat of Arms. Rev. Cross in quatrefoil. A superb example of this elusive type, with an interesting overdate to boot. The second finest of only two examples certified by NGC (and none by PCGS), with a hint of reflectivity to the reverse fields that only serves to bolster an already extremely desirable piece. Extremely Rare
