PHILIP
V -
1700-1746
Obverse: Crowned arms of the House of Bourbon surrounded by legend.
Reverse: Cross of Jerusalem, treasures at ends of cross, date at 2
o’clock, legend around edge.
Philip V became king of Spain in 1700 by virtue of the will of Charles
II who died childless. He had two wives, Marie Louise of Savoy who bore
him four sons, and Elizabeth Farnese, by whom he had seven children.
Founder of the Spanish Bourbon dynasty, Philip’s chief interest was
securing his claim to the throne of France. This passion to ascend led
to many intrigues against the house of Orleans and motivated his
abdication on January 10, 1724, in favor of his eldest son Luis I.
Louis died within nine months; Philip returned to the throne and ruled
until he died on July 9, 1746.
Though undistinguished as a man, Philip was the best king Spain had for
many a long year. His reign is noted primarily for the governmental and
economic reforms instituted by his French and Italian advisors. In
addition, he left a proven army that distinguished itself in the field
and a navy, which once more awakened the attention of Europe. Spain was
once more becoming a force with which to be reckoned.
Philip had few close friends. His chief interests were religion,
hunting and music. A typical day was a light meal at 8:00 a.m.,
followed by two and a half hour’s work, mass, lunch, an hour with the
queen, then a hunt followed by a light meal, affairs of state, and
dinner at 8 p.m. During the last years of his reign he often lapsed
into periods of insanity. Consequently, his wife largely controlled
public affairs.
The silver coins of Philip V are distinguished from those of his
predecessors by the addition of Bourbon escutcheon, consisting of three
fleurs-de-lis on a small shield superimposed on the center of the
Spanish coat of arms. Starting in 1732, milled coinage was introduced
at the Mexico City mint in the now famous pillar design. Cobs of the
pillar and wave type continued to be minted at the colonial mints of
Lima, Peru, and Potosi, Bolivia. Cobs were also minted at Santa Fe,
Colombia.
Dave Wagner, American
Numismatic Association
Member 172893
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