Colombia 2 Escudos 1709 "1715 Fleet Shipwreck" PCGS 63
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The Colombian 2 Escudos coin, minted in Bogotá between 1701 and 1709, represents a fascinating period of transition in Spanish colonial history. This particular specimen, graded MS-63 by PCGS, was struck during the early reign of Philip V, the first Bourbon king of Spain, who ascended to the throne in 1700. Interestingly, despite Philip V's rule, the coin was minted posthumously in the name of his predecessor, Charles II, the last Habsburg monarch of Spain.
Philip V's reign (1700-1746) marked a significant shift in Spanish governance, introducing French-inspired reforms and centralization efforts. This period was characterized by the War of Spanish Succession, which had profound economic implications for Spain and its colonies. The production of gold coins like this 2 Escudos played a crucial role in financing the war effort and maintaining Spain's global empire.
The coin itself weighs 6.69 grams and features an unusual design element known as "transposed Lions and Castles," where the traditional placement of these symbols on the shield is reversed. This detail provides insight into the minting practices of the era, suggesting either an intentional variation or a die-cutting error that became standardized.
Despite the typical irregularities associated with cob coinage, this specimen stands out for its exceptional preservation and clarity. The visible '170' of the date, with the last digit partially obscured, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the coin's precise year of minting. The coin's high grade and vibrant appearance make it a remarkable survivor from a tumultuous period in colonial history, offering numismatists and historians alike a tangible connection to the economic and political realities of early 18th-century Spanish America.1
Click Here to read more about the '1715 Fleet Shipwreck'
Philip V's reign (1700-1746) marked a significant shift in Spanish governance, introducing French-inspired reforms and centralization efforts. This period was characterized by the War of Spanish Succession, which had profound economic implications for Spain and its colonies. The production of gold coins like this 2 Escudos played a crucial role in financing the war effort and maintaining Spain's global empire.
The coin itself weighs 6.69 grams and features an unusual design element known as "transposed Lions and Castles," where the traditional placement of these symbols on the shield is reversed. This detail provides insight into the minting practices of the era, suggesting either an intentional variation or a die-cutting error that became standardized.
Despite the typical irregularities associated with cob coinage, this specimen stands out for its exceptional preservation and clarity. The visible '170' of the date, with the last digit partially obscured, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the coin's precise year of minting. The coin's high grade and vibrant appearance make it a remarkable survivor from a tumultuous period in colonial history, offering numismatists and historians alike a tangible connection to the economic and political realities of early 18th-century Spanish America.1
Click Here to read more about the '1715 Fleet Shipwreck'
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