Plus Ultra Cover Coin – 2nd Quarter 2011

Welcome to our newest regular feature from the archives of the Plus Ultra Newsletter. The Plus Ultra Newsletter was published from 1983 until 2016 and was at the time considered by many to be the leading authority on all things related to the 1715 Fleet. A regular feature of each issue was the “Cover Coin” which was highlighted on the cover of each issue. Along with the coin was a short paragraph or two explaining the significance of the coin. We are indeed pleased to be able to present this “Cover Coin” from the annals of the Plus Ultra Newsletter.

For more information about the Plus Ultra Newsletter and other publications by Ernie Richards, visit En Rada Publications at EnRada.com.

1715 Fleet Society Plus Ultra Cover Coin 2nd Quarter 2011

Before you are PLVS VLTRA-ed to death, let us call your attention to the initialized version of this motto which resides in the center row of characters on certain coins from Lima and Potosí: P. V. A. Our Cover Coin this time is a worthy 8-escudo piece from Lima dated 1711 (see reverse, p. 1). The Pillars and Waves, and the two horizontal lines, are home to the characters L || 8 || M (Mint / Denom / Assayer) across the top. The second row, as mentioned, contains the abbreviated motto P. || V. || A. And the bottom row, above the waves, contains the three critical digits of the date: 7 || 1 || 1.

The obverse of this series is emblazoned with a bold cross containing, alternately, lions and castles in its quarters. This, of course, depicts the Arms of Castilla and León. The legend on this piece, if it all were visible, would begin on the obverse: PHILIPPVS • V • D • G • HISPANAR[VM] and would continue on the reverse: ET • YNDIARVM • REX • ANO • 1711.

Offered in the Frank Daniel Sedwick, LLC’s “Treasure and World Coin Auction #9 Catalog”, the piece is thus described, in part: Lot “21. Lima, Peru, cob 8 escudos, 1711M, from the 1715 Fleet. Good full cross with full king’s name in legend, full pillars-and-waves, AU with small bits of sediment in crevices. Pedigreed to the Ponterio auction #127 of September 20, 2003, with original lot-tag #392. [Estimate] $8,000— $12,000.” [It sold for $10,500 (buyer’s fee included) to the lucky bidder.] =ER=

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