World Gold - 1755MO 8 Escudos, Mexico City Mint NGC AU58

On the obverse of this dramatic offering from AUCM is presented a large armored bust of Ferdinand VI facing right, with legend FERDINANDUS VI G HISP REX, with the date 1755 below. The reverse shows the crowned arms in the Golden Fleece collar. The Golden Fleece is a symbol of authority and kingship.

Reverse legend: NOMINA MAGNA SEQUOR ("I follow the greatest names"). Below is twice found the ‘Mo’ mintmark for Mexico City, as well as ‘MM’ for the assayers at the Mexico City Mint. It was on July 19, 1735, that the king accepted Manuel de León as the first assayer at the Mexico City Mint at a salary of 3,000 pesos per year. Between the years 1748 to 1765, he formed a team with the expert Manuel Assorín, with the initials ‘MM.’

A brilliant original with light toning. Truly a magnificent and attractive example with booming luster. Also very rare in this grade of Very Choice About Uncirculated AU58. NGC has graded 4 as AU58 with just one finer.

Portrait of Ferdinand VI of Spain by Michel Van Loo, circa 1746-1759. Image: Wikimedia Commons.

This bust type is well-known to specialists of the Spanish Colonial series.  This distinct stylized baroque portrait of Ferdinand VI has been documented to be the work of Francisco Sáez, a prominent artist and silversmith, who was also known to be a favorite of Fedinand's wife, Barbara of Portugal. It has been suggested that the Queen's influence may have played a major role in the use of Sáez's engraving, which ignored the tradition at the Madrid Mint of having the Engraver General craft any new bust designs.