$11,178.00 USD
This coin is an elite example of mid-18th century Spanish colonial gold, tying together numismatic prestige and maritime lore. This issue represents one of the earliest years of Santiago Mint gold under Ferdinand VI and is linked by strong provenance to the wreck of the Nuestra Señora de la Luz, a Spanish treasure galleon lost off Montevideo in 1752. While the shipwreck recovery is not noted on the holder, stylistic and surface characteristics are consistent with salvaged coins from this wreck.
Obverse: Displays a bust of King Ferdinand VI in ornate armor, facing right, with finely rendered curls and decorative elements. The Latin legend reads:
“FERDINANDUS · VI · D · G · HISP · REX” — Ferdinand VI, by the Grace of God, King of Spain.
Reverse: Features the crowned Bourbon arms of Spain within the chain of the Order of the Golden Fleece, above a prominent cross symbol. The encircling Latin legend reads:
“NOMINA MAGNA SEQUOR” — I follow great names, symbolizing dynastic continuity and Habsburg legacy.
Struck in .875 fine gold, weighing approximately 27 grams, this issue corresponds to KM 3 and Calicó 824, and reflects the early transition of Santiago from a small-scale mint into a significant South American branch of the Spanish treasury. Specimens from this date are rarely encountered in high grades or with fully original surfaces due to their recovery from marine environments.
Although the grade is not provided here, the surfaces show classic signs of shipwreck preservation — granular texture, soft reflectivity, and preserved detail with minimal circulation wear. These characteristics align closely with documented Nuestra Señora de la Luz finds, which included Santiago Mint gold dated 1750–1751.
