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 ArmsInsignia of a family or country, containing specific figures and colors and passed along through hereditary lineage. 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=
