Lot 829
Spain. 8 Reales, 1614 over 07 (Segovia). Dav-4394; Cayon-4640. 26.63 grams. Philip III, 1598-1621. Crowned Hapsburg shield. Reverse: Quartered arms of Castille and Leon in tressure. A few very trivial laminations on the reverse, typical of this period. Otherwise, a choice machine strike -- the royal crests really sharp, overall the design even and finely centered with high rims. Lovely old two-shaded toning, with smokey russets and deep golds on the obverse, lighter on the reverse. Scarce, interesting overdate. NGC graded AU-58.
Philip III may have been the most incompetent ruler Spain experienced during its long period of monarchy, but fortunately Philip died young (at age 42), so his policies had little lasting effect. He left all decisions of state to his confidant, the Duke of Lema, who was as corrupt as Philip was innocent. At this time Spain received tremendous wealth from its colonies, most of it dissipated through mismanagement. What remains of the New World's mines exists mainly on these regal coins.
Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,750.
|
| |
| Realized $2,013 |
