Lot 982
Chile. 8 Escudos, 1751 So-J (Santiago). Fr-5; KM-12. 27.05 grams. Ferdinand VI, 1746-1759. Small standard draped and cuirassed bust right. Reverse: Small crowned Bourbon arms within chain of the Order of the Golden Fleece. Bold, virtually fully struck centers. Lustrous devices on mirror fields. An exemplary coin -- flashy, with great eye appeal. Among the finest known example. NGC graded MS-64 Prooflike.
Ferdinand was one of the more able kings of Spain. He attempted to modernize his country and cut down on the rampant corruption. On both counts he was successful. He was smart enough to stay out of war, and refused to favor publically either the British or the French. Through the efforts of his chief minister, the Marquis of Ensenada, he built up his navy, and established a more equitable taxation sysytem, known as the cadastre, which taxed based on wealth and ability to pay. A "progressive" tax. Unfortunately for Spain, he ruled only fourteen years.
Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000.
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| Realized $9,200 |
