World Gold - 1802M 8 Escudos Spain, FA Madrid Mint NGC MS61

When you own a beautiful, well-struck coin such as this, you will hold a piece of the golden treasure of the Spanish Empire in your hand. NGC has graded 10 examples as MS61 with 11 finer.

The obverse of this stunning gold coin presents a right-facing armored bust of Charles IV (“CAROL IIII”). It reads, “D-G-HISP-ET IND-R” which is a short form for “DEI GRATIA HISPANA RUM ET INDIARUM REX” (by the grace of God, King of Spain and the Indies). Below the bust is the date “1802.”

The reverse exhibits the Spanish coat of arms within a shield. Within each quarter of the inner shield is found the individual arms of Castille (a castle) and Leon (a lion). The royal arms are encircled by a collar of the Golden Fleece. The entire shield is topped off with a royal crown. Around the rim is the legend, “IN UTROQ FELIX AUSPICE DEO” (with God’s guidance one is happy in each place). The Madrid mintmark, a small 'M' topped with a crown, is at around 7 o’clock and “FA” is found at 5 o’clock.

Painting of Charles IV by Francisco Goya, circa 1789. Image: Wikimedia Commons.