Peru  2 Escudos  1698  "2nd Finest- Royal Like!"  Lima Cut  NGC 63

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CUZCO PERU 1698 2E NGC 63 2nd Finest! 1715 FLEET CII GOLD TREASURE COB DOUBLOON COIN From the 1715 FLEET Shipwreck we are very honored to be able to offer this CUZCO 1698 “LIMA CUT” 2 Escudos in NGC 63 (2nd Finest Known of 3 Lima Cuts). We’ve had several of the 9 total pieces known (both Lima & Bogota cuts) in the Census, but NEVER have we had a “LIMA CUT.” There are two types of cut varieties. The typical cut, known as the “Bogota Cut,” is the squarish, squatty, smaller diameter planchet, very crude look. Whereas the “LIMA CUT” of which I’m only aware of (3) three pieces out of the 9 total 1698 Cuzco population report (grades: 62, this 63, and one in 64; note the 64’s last 2 digits are not visible, so we can comfortable discount that piece from the census). The known 62 is a very nice piece, has a full date, a couple of flat spots as well, including one flat spot over the crown, making it non visible; but still a very nice piece. The 62 was graded within the last two years and was offered to me at that time, for a price needing to be offered by me over $22k! This 63 we are offering here is far superior in aesthetcis! Almost a Royal like planchet (large 21-22mm), which there are several known for Lima that are Royal Like (one is on a 1697 8E and the other a 1712 8E). The Obverse displays a FULL CROWN and FULL DATE (completely unobscured)! To many purists in this filed, this is what’s most important, to have a FULL dated unimpeded by any distractions whatsoever (I would have to agree with this desired quality as ranking number 1 in importance). The mint mark “C” and Assayer “M” are completely visible, as well as the P.V.A. (note: this IS THE ONLY VARIETY I’ve seen of the LIMA Cut (3 pieces) that has a DOT after each letter (P.V.A.) making it Unique to my research! The Obverse legend is almost complete (RARELY seen), depicting: ETYND ISPANUM REX (King of Spain and the Indies). Newly conducted research by Jorge Proctor that the Assayer could have been Ambrosio Leyba Marcocho (as opposed to previously thought Cristobal Melgarejo of Lima in 1709). Marocho was appointed to the Foundry on November 23rd, 1686. The Cuzco mint was shot down in 1699 (and is also the year these 1E and 2E dated 1698’s were probably actually struck). It was shut down due to a lack of money, the mint building was actually finished in August of 1699. They built retail stores around it originally in order to increase the security of the mint (since the stores also had their own security). The Cuzco mint, fairly recently was turned into a hotel in the 1950’s. The Reverse is EXEMPLARY! The Legends: C.II DG HISPANIRVM (Charles II by the Grace of God SPAIN). The CROSS is FULL and undoubled. The LIONS & CASTLES are Boldly and deeply struck (so much so that you literally can see the details in the Lions mane, one castle has very slight doubling). The weight is at 5.9g, whereas typically Cuzco 2E's weigh in at about 6.5 up to 6.7. There has been some noted pieces at 6.3g. The weight of this piece is slightly lighter, but there are no cuts or shave marks present that can be seen, as validated by NGC’s grade of MS 63. The Full inside beading is present and even partial of the outside beading-outter rim (same as on the Obverse), which really adds dimension and beauty. If requested I’m happy to supply the photos of the 2 (TWO) other LIMA Cuts known (in grades 62 and 64) so you can compare the three pieces. This piece again, is far superior in aesthetics and is the only piece I’ve seen which resembles a Royal! "Assayer is believed to be Ambrosio Leyba Marocho", or "newly conducted investigations by numismatic researcher Jorge Proctor indicate that the Assayer could have been Ambrosio Leyba Marocho", with the later actually giving me credit for the discovery of the candidate we are now proposing.

OFFERED AT: $19,500