AUTHENTIC SPANISH TREASURE COINS

Spanish Cob Two Escudos

"Spanish Cross"

"Spanish Cross"  Spanish Two Escudos Gold Cob Coin, larger than a USA Quarter dollar, minted 1700-1746 in Columbia, South America at the Spanish mint of Nuero Reino, under King Philip V of Spain.  Magnificent specimen near mint 6.8 grams painstakingly hand mounted in an 18kt Gold Pendant.
Special Spanish Gold Coin #1
Call 713-539-9340 for price

"Spanish Cross"   Philip V ~ 1700-1746

Obverse:  Crowned shield of the House of Bourbon
Reverse:  Cross of Jerusalem

     Philip V became king of Spain in 1700 by virtue of the will of Charles II who dies 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 8:00 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 the 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.

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