The Spain 8 Escudos coin from 1715 is an iconic piece of treasure history, minted under the reign of Philip V, the first Bourbon king of Spain. The year 1715 is significant in the history of Spanish treasure fleets, as it marks the tragic wreck of the famed 1715 Fleet, where eleven Spanish galleons carrying vast treasures from the New World sank off the coast of Florida during a hurricane. Coins from this fleet, including the 8 Escudos gold coins, have since become some of the most prized treasure coins, their journeys intertwined with tales of conquest, exploration, and survival.
Philip V ascended to the Spanish throne in 1700 after the death of the childless Charles II, the last Habsburg king of Spain. His rule marked the start of the Bourbon dynasty in Spain, a major shift that had implications for the balance of power in Europe. His ascension triggered the War of Spanish Succession (1701–1714), as various European powers sought to prevent the union of France and Spain under Bourbon control. Although Spain emerged from the war with a weakened empire, Philip V managed to retain his throne, but at the cost of significant territorial losses.
The 8 Escudos coin from this period reflects Spain’s enduring connection to New World riches. The coin’s large gold denomination, equivalent to the value of 8 pesos, made it one of the most valuable in circulation. These hand-struck coins were crafted with bold images—often a cross on one side, representing Christianity’s spread through the Americas, and the coat of arms on the other side, symbolizing Spanish imperial power. The coin’s luster and robust design make it both an artifact of history and a stunning display of 18th-century craftsmanship.
For collectors, an 8 Escudos coin from 1715 embodies the final chapter of Spain’s treasure fleets and the dramatic story of the 1715 Fleet disaster. After the wreck, Spanish salvors were able to recover some treasure, but much remained on the ocean floor until modern treasure hunters rediscovered the wreck sites. This particular 8 Escudos, dated 1715, is a genuine link to Philip V’s reign and a tangible piece of the high-stakes era of treasure fleets, New World exploration, and the Bourbon rise to power in Spain.