$4,012.00 USD
The 1774 Colombia Gold 8 Escudos is a magnificent artifact from the height of Spain’s colonial empire in the Americas, struck in the Nuevo Reino de Granada (modern-day Colombia). As part of Spain’s vast network of mints in the New World, the Colombian mint produced gold escudos that fueled global trade and cemented Spain’s economic dominance. This large gold coin, often referred to as a "Doubloon," would have circulated among wealthy merchants, aristocrats, and officials in the Spanish colonies.
On the obverse, the coin features the distinguished portrait of King Charles III of Spain (Carlos III), who ruled from 1759 to 1788. His bust, depicted in a laureate and draped style, exudes the regal authority of the Spanish Bourbon dynasty. The surrounding legend, "CAROLUS III D G HISP ET IND REX," proclaims him as "Charles III, by the Grace of God, King of Spain and the Indies," reflecting his dominion over both the Iberian Peninsula and Spain’s vast colonial territories in the Americas.
The reverse showcases the Spanish coat of arms, a breathtaking display of heraldic grandeur. The crowned shield is quartered with the symbols of Castile (castle), León (lion), Aragon, and Navarre, along with the Bourbon-Anjou escutcheon at the center. Below, the Order of the Golden Fleece dangles, symbolizing the chivalric prestige of the Spanish monarchy. Encircling the design is the inscription confirming its denomination and mint origin, marking it as a product of Nuevo Reino de Granada’s mint.
This NGC AU55 graded example retains sharp details, strong luster, and minimal signs of handling, making it a superb survivor of Spanish colonial coinage. These gold 8 Escudos pieces were highly sought after, not only in the Spanish territories but also in global commerce, as they were widely accepted in international trade alongside Portuguese and British gold coins.
Holding this 1774 Colombia Gold 8 Escudos is like holding a piece of the Spanish Empire at its peak—a tangible link to the wealth extracted from the New World and the grand ambitions of Charles III’s reign. A true treasure for collectors of colonial and world gold coinage.
