Historic Spanish Coin Up for Auction

The first 100-escudo coin ever struck is expected to realize millions of dollars in an online auction presented by Numismatica Genevensis SA (NGSA). Certified by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), the Spain 1609 C Segovia 100 escudos (Lot 314), graded About Uncirculated-58, has a starting price of about $2,500,000. 

At just over a third of a kilogram, this unique piece is the largest gold coin of the Spanish kingdom. Its weight signifies that it was never intended for everyday use but served instead as a presentation piece to showcase Spain’s power and wealth. Due to its size, the coin required both machine striking and meticulous hand finishing—a blend of precision and artistry. According to the lot description, this coin “was presented to the king and his favorites—a masterpiece of gold, power, and prestige, destined to dazzle the court and immortalize the grandeur of Spain. Considering the king commissioned further 100 escudos issues in the years that followed (1614, 1617, 1618 and 1620), one may reasonably infer that this extraordinary coin of 1609 not only delighted him, but deeply impressed him.”

Learn more about this coin in a video narrated by Ben Wengel, NGC chief grader and senior vice president of world coins. “In addition to this being a unique item, there’s also a personal tie-in with Spanish royalty that really elevates this coin’s status as a true trophy piece,” Wengel says. “This is going to be a very highly anticipated coin when it crosses the auction block.”

Other Beauties

Also notable is a Spain 1611/0 C Segovia 8 escudos graded AU-58 (Lot 315), with a starting price of about $376,000. Another Spanish rarity connected to King Philip III’s reign (1598-1621), this is the first 8-escudo piece (also known as an “onza”) ever struck at the Royal Mint of Segovia. It is the only example known to exist today. More highlights include:

• a rare England (1492) sovereign of Henry VII (Lot 231)
• a Mexico 1729/7MO R/D 8 escudos (Lot 300)
• a Poland 1618 Lithuania 10 ducats (Lot 304)
• two England 1662 gold crowns, off-metal strikes (Lots 238 and 239)
• a Spain 1637/6 R Segovia 8 escudos (Lot 317)
• an England 1642 (Lot 234) and 1643 Oxford Triple Unite of Charles I (Lot 236)
• an Austria 1686 Salzburg 10 ducats (Lot 204)

Online bidding is already underway and concludes November 24. To view all the offerings, visit NGSA’s website.