Mexico 8 Escudos 1715 "1715 Fleet Shipwreck" PCGS 55
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Coral encrusted 1715 Fleet. See enlarged pics for encrustations and coral!
Golden Majesty from the Depths: The Mexico 8 Escudos 1715 Shipwreck Doubloon
A numismatic treasure of dazzling rarity and historical weight, the Mexico 8 Escudos Doubloon dated 1715—recovered from the infamous 1715 Fleet shipwreck—stands as a testament to the power, opulence, and peril of the Spanish Empire at its height. Encapsulated in a PCGS AU55 holder, this gold coin is not only a relic of maritime tragedy and imperial ambition but also a work of striking artistry, boasting a full four-digit date, a bold, detailed crown, and a sharply rendered, perfectly centered Jerusalem cross—a numismatist's dream.
The Coin
Struck in Mexico City in the final year of King Philip V’s early reign, this 8 Escudos piece captures the essence of Spanish colonial wealth at the dawn of the 18th century. The full 1715 date—a highly sought-after feature among shipwreck coins—anchors the coin firmly in one of the most dramatic chapters of early modern history. The obverse showcases the Bourbon shield beneath a majestic and fully intact crown, symbolizing the unbroken authority of the king across the Atlantic. The reverse displays the iconic cross potent with lions and castles—a direct allusion to the unification of León and Castile and the religious zeal of Spain’s imperial mission.
Unlike many shipwreck-recovered coins, this piece defies the ravages of time and sea. Graded AU55 by PCGS, it exhibits superior detail and preservation for a gold cob—its surfaces glowing with the soft, time-worn luster characteristic of lightly circulated treasure gold. The strike is centered with uncommon precision, allowing all major design elements to emerge in full splendor—making this a museum-worthy example.
The Historical Context
The year 1715 was one of deep significance. King Philip V, the grandson of France’s Louis XIV and the first Bourbon monarch of Spain, had recently emerged from the brutal War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714), which had reshaped the European balance of power. Though still in his early 30s, Philip had already endured years of political strife and military upheaval to retain his throne, which was contested by the Habsburgs and their allies.
Philip’s accession in 1700 had provoked fears of a Franco-Spanish superpower, leading to a pan-European conflict that saw Spain lose many of its European holdings but retain its sprawling American empire. By 1715, the war was over, and Spain was eager to replenish its treasury. This meant an aggressive increase in colonial mining and transatlantic shipments—hence, the ill-fated 1715 Fleet.
Click Here to read more about the '1715 Fleet Shipwreck'
Golden Majesty from the Depths: The Mexico 8 Escudos 1715 Shipwreck Doubloon
A numismatic treasure of dazzling rarity and historical weight, the Mexico 8 Escudos Doubloon dated 1715—recovered from the infamous 1715 Fleet shipwreck—stands as a testament to the power, opulence, and peril of the Spanish Empire at its height. Encapsulated in a PCGS AU55 holder, this gold coin is not only a relic of maritime tragedy and imperial ambition but also a work of striking artistry, boasting a full four-digit date, a bold, detailed crown, and a sharply rendered, perfectly centered Jerusalem cross—a numismatist's dream.
The Coin
Struck in Mexico City in the final year of King Philip V’s early reign, this 8 Escudos piece captures the essence of Spanish colonial wealth at the dawn of the 18th century. The full 1715 date—a highly sought-after feature among shipwreck coins—anchors the coin firmly in one of the most dramatic chapters of early modern history. The obverse showcases the Bourbon shield beneath a majestic and fully intact crown, symbolizing the unbroken authority of the king across the Atlantic. The reverse displays the iconic cross potent with lions and castles—a direct allusion to the unification of León and Castile and the religious zeal of Spain’s imperial mission.
Unlike many shipwreck-recovered coins, this piece defies the ravages of time and sea. Graded AU55 by PCGS, it exhibits superior detail and preservation for a gold cob—its surfaces glowing with the soft, time-worn luster characteristic of lightly circulated treasure gold. The strike is centered with uncommon precision, allowing all major design elements to emerge in full splendor—making this a museum-worthy example.
The Historical Context
The year 1715 was one of deep significance. King Philip V, the grandson of France’s Louis XIV and the first Bourbon monarch of Spain, had recently emerged from the brutal War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714), which had reshaped the European balance of power. Though still in his early 30s, Philip had already endured years of political strife and military upheaval to retain his throne, which was contested by the Habsburgs and their allies.
Philip’s accession in 1700 had provoked fears of a Franco-Spanish superpower, leading to a pan-European conflict that saw Spain lose many of its European holdings but retain its sprawling American empire. By 1715, the war was over, and Spain was eager to replenish its treasury. This meant an aggressive increase in colonial mining and transatlantic shipments—hence, the ill-fated 1715 Fleet.
Click Here to read more about the '1715 Fleet Shipwreck'
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