1700 Gold 4 Escudos NGC MS67
Only 2 Examples of this coin exist in ANY grade!
Carlos II, also known as Charles II, was the last Habsburg king of Spain. He reigned from 1665 to 1700. His reign is often referred to as the "Bewitched" or "Cursed" reign due to his numerous health issues and the difficulties faced by the Spanish monarchy during his rule.
The Spanish Empire once spanned the entire globe and its influence in culture and language is still felt to this day. The Gold 4 Escudo was a significant denomination produced by the Empire and few people but the very rich would have ever been able to hold onto one at all. This coin was likely some sort of presentation piece.
The miracle of this coin is that it has managed to maintain its near perfect condition in MS67 for the last 323 years since it was struck. This is a feat known by no other Spanish gold coin of this era except for one 2 Escudo we also have the privilege of owning.
A brief overview of Carlos II's life and reign:
Inherited Weakness: Carlos II was born on November 6, 1661, to King Philip IV of Spain and his second wife, Mariana of Austria. He was the product of generations of intermarriage within the Habsburg family, leading to significant inbreeding and health problems. Carlos II suffered from physical and mental disabilities, which became more pronounced as he grew older.
Accession to the Throne: Carlos II became king at the tender age of three when his father, Philip IV, died in 1665. As he was too young to rule, his mother, Mariana of Austria, acted as his regent. The country was governed by various regents and ministers during his minority.
Struggles and Weak Rule: Throughout his reign, Spain faced a series of challenges, including economic decline, military conflicts, and internal strife. The ongoing Thirty Years' War and other conflicts had depleted Spain's resources and military strength.
Marital Issues: Despite his physical ailments, Carlos II was expected to produce an heir to secure the Habsburg dynasty's future. He married twice, but both marriages remained childless, adding to concerns about the succession.
Succession Crisis: As Carlos II approached his later years without a direct heir, the issue of the Spanish succession became a major concern for European powers. Various claimants from rival European dynasties emerged, leading to the War of the Spanish Succession after Carlos II's death.
Death and Succession: Carlos II died on November 1, 1700, at the age of 38. With no direct descendants, he designated his grandnephew, Philip of Anjou, the grandson of Louis XIV of France, as his heir in his will. This decision ultimately led to the War of the Spanish Succession, as other European powers contested the Bourbon dynasty's potential dominance over Europe.
Carlos II's reign marked the end of the Habsburg dynasty in Spain and the beginning of a new era under the Bourbon monarchy. His health issues and the complexities surrounding the Spanish succession contributed to a tumultuous period in Spanish history, setting the stage for significant changes in the years that followed.
In any grade these coins have been appreciating considerably over the years. An MS67 is just simply unheard of and in any auction setting we believe these would sell for atmospheric numbers the way the world coin market has gone lately.
This museum quality example knows no equal. We’re sure the finest institutions in Spain and across the World would be thrilled to add this to their collections, and the fact it is even available to own privately is sensational. A phenomenal world class opportunity.
