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Charles II (1665-1700) |
FROM THE 1715 PLATE FLEET a Lima 1699 R eight escudos, the highest quality Lima 8 escudos known to NGC (or me) for the entire Gold Cob Series (1696-1750). One of a very few "special Royal-like strikings", as Calico first recognized (LA ONZA #112). NGC "1715 Plate Fleet MS64".
We do not know why the assayer Miguel de Rojas (R), a Lima gold assayer only in 1699, took the trouble to prepare a special striking of the 1699 onza in next-to-last year of the unfortunate reign of Carlos II. Probably this was a presentation piece prepared for some Spanish Colonial dignitary. Certainly it has never intended for circulation and never circulated in commerce. New dies were used to strike this onza on a specially prepared planchet and great care was taken with the striking. Business strike 1699's often show almost no legends, have centering issues on both sides, and were struck from a cross-side die that almost immediately showed serious fracture problems. This 1699 onza was struck before any of business strikes and their problems, so probably at beginning of of 1699. It is as lustrous and pristine as when it came off the dies. A truly remarkable survivor!
In late July of 1715 this Lima onza was headed to Spain, possibly in the possession of the Spanish official who had received it years before (no Treasure Fleets had tried for Spain since the disaster of 1708). Once again the Spanish were unlucky in trying to sail home with their treasure. This time a Category or 4 or 5 hurricane was waiting in the Florida Straits for General Ubilla's Fleet. The Fleet was shattered on the Florida coast on the night of July 31st. This beautiful Lima onza was a very lucky to survive that tragedy, its owner probably did not.
This 1699 is recognized as the highest quality Lima known for the entire Gold Cob Series (1696-1750). I have seen thousands and owned hundreds of Limas, and this coin has no rival. NGC agrees that this is as nice as Limas come, awarding it the highest grade it has given to a gold cob (MS64). The Lima mint did not strike Royals, but this is clearly a special presentation striking, as Calico himself first recognized. Mexico 8 escudos Royals are now in the quarter to half million dollar range, and there are many more of them than special presentation Limas. Fortunately for the collector who wants the best Lima known as a centerpiece of his collector the market has not yet carried this 1699 to those lofty levels.
SOLD.
terravitan@aol.com or 480-595-1293
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