A Regal Artifact of the Bourbon Dynasty: 1707 Lima-Minted Philip V Gold 8 Escudos
This 1707 Lima-minted 8 Escudos of Philip V, weighing 26.97 grams, is an extraordinary specimen of Spanish colonial gold coinage. Struck during a period of intense political transformation, this AU58-graded cob is a testament to Spain’s enduring grip on New World wealth. The ISPANIAR variety, a scarce and highly sought-after designation, makes this piece particularly desirable among collectors.
Exhibiting expertly struck surfaces on an unusually round flan, this coin showcases remarkable central detail with deeply impressed peripheries. Virtually free of wear, it stands as one of the finest survivors of the Lima-minted Philip V issues—a true prize for any discerning numismatist.
Philip V: The First Bourbon King and the War of Spanish Succession
Philip V’s reign (1700-1746, with a brief abdication from 1724-1724) marked the dawn of Bourbon rule in Spain, following the extinction of the Habsburg dynasty. The grandson of Louis XIV of France, Philip’s ascension ignited the War of Spanish Succession (1701-1714), a conflict that pitted European powers against one another in a struggle for control over Spain’s vast empire.
By 1707, the year this coin was struck, Philip was engaged in a fierce campaign to consolidate his rule. That same year, he secured a critical victory at the Battle of Almansa, which helped cement Bourbon control over Spain. His reign would ultimately bring sweeping economic and administrative reforms, modernizing Spain’s governance and strengthening its colonial grip—especially in the Americas, where mints like Lima played a vital role in processing New World gold.
The Lima Mint and Spanish Treasure
Lima, one of Spain’s most vital colonial mints, transformed raw South American gold into the iconic cob-style escudos—coins that fueled global commerce and adorned the treasure fleets bound for Europe.
This 8 Escudos is not just a coin—it is a relic of an empire in transition, struck at a time when Spain’s fortunes teetered between war and renewal. Its scarcity, historical significance, and remarkable preservation make it a jewel of Spanish numismatics.