Description: Philip III's Golden Legacy: The DATED 1612 Spanish 2 Escudos This remarkable DATED 1612 Spanish 2 Escudos coin, graded NGC 45, offers a tangible connection to the reign of Philip III and the golden age of the Spanish Empire. Minted in Seville, this gold cob coin bears witness to a pivotal period in European history. The Reign of Philip III (1598-1621) Philip III ascended to the throne in 1598, inheriting an empire at its zenith. However, his reign marked the beginning of Spain's gradual decline as a global superpower. Economic Challenges: Despite the influx of New World gold, Spain faced mounting debts and economic instability. The expulsion of the Moriscos in 1609 led to a significant loss of skilled labor and agricultural productivity. Foreign Policy: Philip III pursued a more peaceful foreign policy, signing the Treaty of London with England in 1604. The Twelve Years' Truce with the Dutch Republic in 1609 temporarily halted the costly war in the Netherlands. The 1612 2 Escudos: A Numismatic Treasure This coin, struck in 1612, represents a fascinating artifact from this transitional period: Weight: Approximately 6.77 grams of gold Mint: Seville, one of Spain's most important minting centers Design: Likely features the Habsburg shield on one side and a cross on the other, though details may be worn due to its grade Socio-Economic Context The 2 Escudos was a significant denomination, representing about two weeks' wages for a skilled laborer. Its circulation reflects the complex economic realities of early 17th century Spain: New World Wealth: Gold from Spanish colonies fueled the European economy, but much of it passed through Spain without benefiting the general population. Price Revolution: The influx of precious metals contributed to widespread inflation across Europe. Trade Networks: These coins played a crucial role in Spain's vast commercial empire, circulating from the Americas to Asia. This 1612 2 Escudos serves as a golden window into a fascinating period of Spanish and world history, embodying the contradictions of an empire at its peak yet facing the early signs of decline.x
Price: 5850 USD
Location: La Jolla, California
End Time: 2025-01-05T23:24:26.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
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Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Denomination: Escudo
Composition: Gold
Year: 1612
Grade: XF 45
Country/Region of Manufacture: Spain
Certification: NGC
