World Gold - 1788-M 8 Escudos, Charles III Madrid Mint, Spain NGC MS63

The obverse of this striking gold coin presents a right-facing bust of Charles III (“CAROL III”). It also reads, “D-G-HISP-ET IND-R” which is an abbreviation 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 “1788,” with a small flower on both sides. The reverse presents the Spanish coat of arms within a shield. Within each quarter of the inner shield are found the individual arms of Castille (a castle) and Leon (a lion). Within an escutcheon are the arms of the Bourbon dynasty (three fleurs-de-lis). 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 small crown is at around 7 o’clock and a larger “M” is at 5 o’clock.