Charles II gold Cob Escudo 1679 MXo-J XF Details (Ex-Jewelry) PCGS, Mexico City mint, cf. KM50 (for type), Fr-5, Cay-Unl., Cal-Unl., Menzel-Unl. (see Menzel-pg. 130, n. 76), Oro Macuquino-92a (this coin), ORC-1231 (same). 3.34gm. A unique Mexican piece, this 1679 Escudo represents the beginning of gold coinage in North America. According to Albert Francisco Pradeau's Numismatic History of Mexico, the production of Mexican gold Cobs was decreed on February 25, 1675, though striking didn't start until December 23, 1679 (pg. 46). Though it is known from contemporary documents that the Viceroy of New Spain personally attended the mint to witness the striking of the first gold coins, estimated by Menzel that around 4,284 may have been initially produced, at the time that Pradeau's work was written, the earliest date known in the series was 1680; it was not until the discovery of this piece that a survivor and testament of the extremely short minting period in late December 1679 emerged. Unlisted in both Cayón and Calicó as well as most reference works, including the Standard Catalog of World Coins, the example offered here is undeniably rare. The date is clearly defined in this rectangular flan, a characteristic shape of Charles II's coinage. Though evidence of mounting is visible on this rarity, if anything this only adds to its illustrious history--the importance of the coin clearly recognized such that someone considered it worthy of use as personal adornment in jewelry in spite of its irregular appearance. Ex. Ponterio & Associates Sale 154 (June 2010, Lot 6089)

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