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Philip V |
L2. Lima 1702 H four escudos. Unique. The only known 1702 Lima in four escudos and one of only two surviving media onzas from the first six years of Philip V's reign (1701-1706). Hapsburg crown and small lettering, strongly suggesting that the pillar die was prepared before the new Bourbon designs of Philip V arrived in 1701. The PHILIPPUS cross die was likely prepared in 1701. Choice near mint state. Beautiful golden color. A perfect match in style and appearance to the exceptional Ullian 1702 eight escudos. NGC AU 55.
1702 was the year of a great naval disaster for the beleaguered young Bourbon king Philip V. The English and Dutch trapped the Treasure Fleet of that year in Vigo Bay in northwestern Spain and annihilated it. No Spanish ships survived the battle, with most of the treasure they carried lost to the English or sent to the bottom of Vigo Bay beyond salvage. No wonder Lima gold coinage of 1702 is so rare! Thirteen years later another large Treasure Fleet (1715) trying for Spain was destroyed by a hurricane along the Florida coast. Salvage of those Florida wrecks over the last 50 years has yielded six other Lima escudos dated 1702, four onzas and a pair of two escudos. This unique four escudos of 1702 very likely came from a wreck of the 1715 Fleet, though details of its salvage are not recorded.
Available.
terravitan@aol.com or 480-595-1293
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