The Stack’s Bowers Galleries January New York International Auction is growing
daily, and a multitude of exciting coins have been added since our last update.
This highlight is an outstanding Peruvian 8 Escudos dated 1712, and can be traced
back to the 1715 Plate Fleet. This example is in exceptional condition, sharply
struck on a broad flan with minimal doubling and nice luster.
The Pillar design (as with most Spanish Colonial issues of the time)
depicts the famous “Pillars of Hercules” that marked the Strait of Gibraltar
separating the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. According to Greek
Mythology these served as a barrier to the outer – and then unknown — sea, and
were inscribed “Non plus ultra” or ‘nothing further beyond.’ These Pillars were
then adopted by Carlos I as the supporters for his coat of arms, but with a modified
motto of “Plus Ultra” or ‘further beyond.’ This was encouragement to go past
the defined borders of the world, and to establish the gateway to a new Spanish
controlled empire beyond the Pillars. The actual design on this coin shows two
pillars in the center, with text stretching across — “P – V – A” (one form of
shorthand for the motto). The large numeral 8 above the motto represents the
denomination of 8 Escudos. “L” and “M” appear in the upper left and right
sections and refer to the mint of Lima, Peru and the Assayer’s initial,
respectively. The lower three sections include “7” “1” and “2” and represent
the last three numerals of the date. Waves appear below the pillars. The entire
central design is bordered by a beaded circle, with the outer legend “ET YNDIARUM
REX ANO 71[2]” just beyond. The Cross side proudly displays the Cross of
Jerusalem with the iconic Lions and Castles in alternating quadrants. The
entire design is contained within a beaded border, with the outer legend
“PHILIPPVS . V : D G . HISPA[NIAR]” just beyond. When this legend is attached
to the Pillar side legend, the royal title is fully expressed: “Philip II, by
the Grace of God, King of Spain and the Indies.”
While we are no longer taking consignments for our January 2018 New York
International Auction, we are taking consignments of world and ancient coins as
well as world paper money for the May 2018 Collector’s Choice Online. We are
also accepting consignments of Chinese and other Asian coins and currency for
our April 2018 Hong Kong Showcase Auction. If you are interested in consigning
your coins and paper currency (whether a whole collection or a single rarity)
be sure to contact one of our consignment directors.
