Peru, Lima - Gold Cob 4 Escudos, 1750-R (Mule with 8 Escudos Cross), NGC MS 63 (Shipwreck Blue Label), Ex-Sotheby’s
Struck in the Lima mint during the reign of King Ferdinand VI of Spain, this exceptional 4 Escudos gold cob from 1750 stands as both a numismatic rarity and a captivating artifact of maritime tragedy. Certified NGC MS 63 with the prestigious Shipwreck Blue Label, this coin is a tangible survivor of the infamous La Luz shipwreck of 1752, combining stunning preservation, historical significance, and a connection to Spain’s colonial ambitions.
A Rare Hybrid of Dies
Weighing 13.48 grams, this gold cob exhibits a unique mule error, pairing the cross side die typically used for an 8 Escudos coin with the pillars side intended for the 4 Escudos denomination—a rare occurrence that enhances its desirability among collectors. The oversized cross is sharp and boldly defined, though slightly off-center, creating a dramatic visual effect. Both dates are exceptionally clear, including the second date below the cross—an element rarely seen on coins from this period. Tied with six others as the second-finest example in the NGC census, this piece sits just behind a single MS 64 (all examples traceable to the Luz shipwreck).
The Reign of King Ferdinand VI
This coin reflects the economic and colonial policies of Ferdinand VI, who reigned from 1746 to 1759. Known as “The Learned” (El Prudente), Ferdinand sought to stabilize and modernize the Spanish Empire after years of war and turmoil. His reign marked a focus on economic reforms, promoting trade and strengthening Spain’s colonial infrastructure to harness the riches of the New World. Precious metals from colonial mints like Lima were critical to Spain’s power, flowing back to Europe as treasure-laden ships formed lifelines of wealth and influence.
The Tragedy of the La Luz Shipwreck
The story of this coin is deeply tied to the La Luz, a Spanish vessel lost in 1752. Part of a fleet transporting treasures from Spain’s American colonies, La Luz sank off the coast of Montevideo, Uruguay, in the treacherous waters of the River Plate (Río de la Plata). This estuary, though critical for maritime trade, was notorious for its shifting sandbanks and unpredictable currents—conditions that sealed the fate of La Luz and its priceless cargo.
The loss of the La Luz was a significant blow to Spain’s colonial economy, as its cargo, laden with gold and silver coins, represented the fruits of imperial mining efforts in South America. For over 200 years, the ship’s treasure lay hidden beneath layers of silt and water, until it was rediscovered and recovered in the late 20th century. In March 1993, pieces of this treasure— including this very coin—were brought to light and auctioned at Sotheby’s Uruguayan Treasure of the River Plate sale, cementing their place in the annals of shipwreck history.
A Testament to History
This gold cob is far more than an artifact—it is a testament to the ambitions of the Spanish Empire, the artistry of the Lima mint, and the perilous voyages that carried colonial treasures across the Atlantic. The combination of its rarity, historical significance, and exceptional condition makes it an irresistible prize for collectors and historians alike.
Pedigreed to Sotheby’s March 1993 Uruguayan Treasure of the River Plate auction (Lot 544).
Recovered from: La Luz, sunk in 1752 off Montevideo, Uruguay.