Mexico 1 Escudo 1707-13 "1715 Fleet Shipwreck" NGC 61
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The Mexico 1 Escudo (1707-1713) is a remarkable artifact from the golden age of Spanish colonial minting, a testament to the wealth and influence of the Spanish Empire at its height. Struck in the Mexico City Mint, one of the most significant mints in the New World, this coin represents both economic dominance and intricate craftsmanship.
Certified by NGC at MS61, this particular escudo has survived over three centuries with remarkable detail, showcasing the artistry of its period. The Cross of Lorraine, a distinctive feature on some escudos of this era, adds a layer of historical intrigue, as this symbol—associated with the House of Bourbon—signified the ruling dynasty of Spain following the War of Spanish Succession. It was a mark of legitimacy under Philip V, Spain’s first Bourbon king, reinforcing his authority in the American colonies.
Struck in Gold, Steeped in History
These 1 Escudo coins were part of Spain’s vast monetary system, primarily minted for trade and circulation throughout the empire. Composed of nearly pure gold, they were both a store of wealth and a functional currency, used in everything from transatlantic commerce to local transactions in Mexico and beyond. Given the turbulent nature of early 18th-century Spanish America—fraught with piracy, war, and shifting alliances—many such coins were lost to shipwrecks or melted down, making well-preserved examples like this one highly desirable among collectors.
The Cross of Lorraine – A Royal Symbol
The presence of the Cross of Lorraine on this escudo enhances its numismatic appeal. Originating as a heraldic device, it was closely tied to the Bourbon dynasty and used to signify royal authority. Its appearance on a Mexican escudo solidifies the coin’s link to the political shifts of the time, making it not just a piece of currency, but a symbol of power, allegiance, and the evolving identity of Spain’s American colonies.
Collectibility & Value
For numismatists, an NGC MS61 grade is particularly significant. It suggests that while the coin exhibits some minor contact marks and handling, it retains much of its original mint luster and detail. Finding a Mexico 1 Escudo from this period with clear, discernible design elements—especially one featuring the Cross of Lorraine—is a rarity. Such a piece is a tangible remnant of Spanish colonial history, appealing to both historians and investors seeking a slice of 18th-century gold.
Whether as a survivor of an era defined by imperial expansion or as an exquisite example of early Mexican minting, this Mexico 1 Escudo (1707-1713) is a numismatic treasure, telling a story that spans oceans, dynasties, and centuries.
Click Here to read more about the '1715 Fleet Shipwreck'
Certified by NGC at MS61, this particular escudo has survived over three centuries with remarkable detail, showcasing the artistry of its period. The Cross of Lorraine, a distinctive feature on some escudos of this era, adds a layer of historical intrigue, as this symbol—associated with the House of Bourbon—signified the ruling dynasty of Spain following the War of Spanish Succession. It was a mark of legitimacy under Philip V, Spain’s first Bourbon king, reinforcing his authority in the American colonies.
Struck in Gold, Steeped in History
These 1 Escudo coins were part of Spain’s vast monetary system, primarily minted for trade and circulation throughout the empire. Composed of nearly pure gold, they were both a store of wealth and a functional currency, used in everything from transatlantic commerce to local transactions in Mexico and beyond. Given the turbulent nature of early 18th-century Spanish America—fraught with piracy, war, and shifting alliances—many such coins were lost to shipwrecks or melted down, making well-preserved examples like this one highly desirable among collectors.
The Cross of Lorraine – A Royal Symbol
The presence of the Cross of Lorraine on this escudo enhances its numismatic appeal. Originating as a heraldic device, it was closely tied to the Bourbon dynasty and used to signify royal authority. Its appearance on a Mexican escudo solidifies the coin’s link to the political shifts of the time, making it not just a piece of currency, but a symbol of power, allegiance, and the evolving identity of Spain’s American colonies.
Collectibility & Value
For numismatists, an NGC MS61 grade is particularly significant. It suggests that while the coin exhibits some minor contact marks and handling, it retains much of its original mint luster and detail. Finding a Mexico 1 Escudo from this period with clear, discernible design elements—especially one featuring the Cross of Lorraine—is a rarity. Such a piece is a tangible remnant of Spanish colonial history, appealing to both historians and investors seeking a slice of 18th-century gold.
Whether as a survivor of an era defined by imperial expansion or as an exquisite example of early Mexican minting, this Mexico 1 Escudo (1707-1713) is a numismatic treasure, telling a story that spans oceans, dynasties, and centuries.
Click Here to read more about the '1715 Fleet Shipwreck'
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