1653-60R Nuevo Reino Gold 2 Escudos Philip IV NGC MS61 (Copy)

Minted between 1653 and 1660 in the colonial mint of Nuevo Reino (modern-day Colombia) under the reign of Philip IV of Spain, the 2 Escudos gold coin stands as a rare and evocative artifact from Spain’s vast American holdings. Bearing the "R" mintmark for Santa Fe de Bogotá, this hand-struck piece reflects the rugged conditions and localized craftsmanship of early New World minting, serving as both royal tribute and vital bullion in the Empire’s transatlantic wealth system.

Obverse: Displays a Jerusalem-style cross with lions and castles in alternating quadrants, symbolizing the union of León and Castile under the Spanish Crown. The design is surrounded by a partially legible legend due to the irregular flan and off-center strike, typical of hammered gold issues from this period.

Reverse: Features the Habsburg shield beneath a crown, bearing the full arms of Spain with clear elements of Castile, León, Aragon, and others. The mintmark "R" for Bogotá and assayer’s initial (likely “S” or “P”) appear near the edge, along with traces of the denomination and partial legend. The style is unmistakably colonial, with bold punches and simplified rendering that reflect the constraints of the minting process in Spanish America’s highland interior.

This specimen, certified NGC MS61, offers exceptional preservation for a hammered gold issue, with bold central detail, minimal doubling, and generous traces of original luster. Its mint state status highlights its rarity, as most surviving examples of 17th-century Colombian escudos are heavily circulated or sea-salvaged. Highly sought after by collectors of Spanish colonial and shipwreck-era gold, this piece represents an important era in the history of New World numismatics.

Colombia Gold 2 Escudos, Nuevo Reino (Bogotá) Mint