1708-1714 Columbia 1 Escudo NGC MS-65 Finest Known!

Item #CC-0151 | 1708-1714 Columbia – 1 Escudo NGC MS-65 Finest Known Specimen
Mint: Columbia
Assayer: NV
Ruler/Period: King Charles II (1665-1700)     
Grade: NGC MS-65 (Posthumous Issue)
NGC Serial #: 6268001-008 View Certification Details from NGC here
Population by NGC: FINEST KNOWN!

Description: This breathtaking gem uncirculated gold escudo is an extremely rare specimen and arguably a coin that some consider worthy to be in a museum.  Spanish Colonial gold escudos are rare in any grades as most were circulated heavily throughout the world. How this specimen survived for over 400 years in gem uncirculated condition is nothing short of a miracle.

This specimen happens to be the finest example ever graded by the Numismatic Guaranty Company and has the unique designation as being the top of the graded population of this series commonly known as the “Top Pop”. This coin was likely recovered from the 1715 Spanish fleet that sunk off the coast of Florida as similar coins in mint state predominately came from those wreck sites.

As you can see from our photos, this coin exhibits that original frosty mint luster, almost like it was minted yesterday. The obverse displays a boldly struck castles and lions.  The reverse shows an incredible well struck and centered Jerusalem Cross.

Spanish Colonial gold cobs of this caliber are highly sought after, especially in the higher grades and this beauty is truly one-of-a-kind.