This beautiful 8 Escudos set in 18kt has a total weight of 41.2g with incredible details and a Full Crown, Shield and much of the legends. The centering is atypically very well centered with virtually no doubling. This piece really "faces up," giving it a stunning presence.
Historical Context
The 1715 Fleet refers to a group of Spanish treasure ships that were caught in a hurricane and sank off the coast of Florida on July 31, 1715. These ships were carrying vast amounts of wealth from the New World back to Spain, including gold, silver, and precious gems. The fleet’s sinking became one of the most famous maritime disasters in history and has been a focal point for treasure hunters ever since.
The 8 Escudos Coin
Origin and Design: The Peruvian 8 escudos coin, often referred to as a "doubloon," was a significant part of the treasure. Minted in Lima, Peru, in 1712, this coin is a prime example of Spanish colonial coinage. The coin is made of gold and features intricate designs emblematic of the Spanish empire's wealth and influence.
Obverse (Front): The obverse typically displays the Spanish coat of arms, including the castles and lions representing the kingdoms of Castile and León. It might also include the cross of Jerusalem, symbolizing the Christian faith.
Reverse (Back): The reverse usually features the Habsburg shield, which may include the pillars of Hercules flanking a banner with the motto "Plus Ultra," indicating Spain's expansion beyond the known world.
Weight and Composition: An 8 escudos coin weighs approximately 27 grams and is made of high-purity gold, often around 22 carats.
Significance of the 1712 Date
Coins dated 1712 are particularly significant because they were minted just three years before the fleet's tragic voyage. This date situates the coin within a critical period of Spanish colonial history when the empire was heavily reliant on New World resources. The presence of a 1712-dated coin in the 1715 fleet underscores the immediacy and frequency with which these treasures were transported across the Atlantic.
Reign of King Philip V
During the time the 1712 Peruvian 8 escudos was minted, King Philip V was the reigning monarch of Spain. Philip V, the first Bourbon king of Spain, ascended to the throne in 1700 after the death of the last Habsburg king, Charles II, which led to the War of the Spanish Succession. His reign marked the beginning of the Bourbon dynasty in Spain and was characterized by efforts to centralize and modernize the Spanish administration and economy.
Philip V's policies aimed to strengthen Spain's control over its vast overseas empire, ensuring a steady flow of wealth from the colonies to the mother country. The treasures transported by the 1715 Fleet, including the 8 escudos coins, were critical in financing Spain's military and administrative endeavors during this period.
Discovery and Legacy
The wreckage of the 1715 Fleet has yielded numerous artifacts and coins over the centuries, with the Peruvian 8 escudos being among the most prized. These coins are sought after by collectors and historians for their beauty, historical value, and connection to one of the most storied maritime disasters.
The discovery of such a coin provides insight into the economic and cultural exchanges between Europe and the Americas during the early 18th century. It also serves as a tangible link to the perilous journeys undertaken by Spanish galleons laden with treasure, illuminating the risks and rewards of colonial enterprises under King Philip V's reign