½ Escudo - Philip V (Seville mint; 1st type) 1738 front ½ Escudo - Philip V (Seville mint; 1st type) 1738 back
½ Escudo - Philip V (Seville mint; 1st type) 1738 photo
© Aureo & Calicó S.L., subastas numismáticas

½ Escudo - Philip V Seville mint; 1st type

1738 year
Gold (.906) 1.75 g 15 mm
Description
Issuer
Spain
King
Philip V (1700-1724, 1724-1746)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Year
1738
Value
½ Escudo (8)
Currency
Real (1497-1833)
Composition
Gold (.906)
Weight
1.75 g
Diameter
15 mm
Thickness
0.5 mm
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-07
References
Numista
N#425606
Rarity index
97%

Reverse

Crowned coat of arms of Spain.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
INITIUM SAPIENTIÆ TIMOR DOMINI
· S · P · J ·

Translation: The beginning of wisdom is the fear of God

Comment

Varieties:

Krause Catalog indicates the same Type (KM#361.2) for this year 1738 as for the following years (1742-1746) of the Madrid Mint, but this year is different in design and, above all, in the obverse and reverse lettering.

  

                1738 (Type 1)                               1742-1746 (Type 2)

Interesting fact

The ½ Escudo coin from Spain, minted in 1738 during the reign of Philip V, has an interesting feature. It was minted in Seville, and it's of the 1st type. It's made of gold with a purity of .906 and weighs 1.75 grams. One interesting fact about this coin is that it was minted during a time when Spain was experiencing significant economic challenges. The country was facing a severe financial crisis, and the government was forced to debase the currency to pay off its debts. As a result, the value of the Escudo coin, which was the standard unit of currency at the time, was significantly reduced. Despite this, the ½ Escudo coin remained a popular denomination and was widely used in trade and commerce. It's also worth noting that the coin's design features the image of Philip V, who was the King of Spain at the time. The coin's obverse side features his portrait, while the reverse side features the coat of arms of Spain. The coin's design was created by the Royal Mint in Seville, which was responsible for minting coins for the Spanish Empire. Overall, the ½ Escudo coin from 1738 is an interesting piece of history that provides insight into the economic and political climate of Spain during that time. Its unique design and the story behind its minting make it a valuable collector's item for numismatists and history enthusiasts alike.