4 Escudos - Carlos III portrait of Fernando VI

Historical Context: This 4 Escudos, minted in Colombia (New Granada) between 1760-1769, is a significant numismatic artifact from Carlos III’s reign. Its most notable feature is the continued use of Fernando VI's portrait, despite Carlos III's ascension in 1759. This anomaly underscores the logistical challenges and administrative delays in supplying colonial mints like Santa Fe de Bogotá with new dies, or perhaps the expedient use of existing tooling. Such issues provide crucial insight into the economic and political continuity within the vast Spanish American empire.

Artistry: The coin's design, while rooted in the Spanish Baroque tradition, is primarily defined by its anachronistic obverse effigy of Fernando VI. Though specific colonial engravers are often unrecorded, the style generally emulates metropolitan prototypes. The obverse presents the laureate and draped bust of Fernando VI, surrounded by the monarch's titulature. The reverse displays the crowned Spanish shield of arms, flanked by the Pillars of Hercules, with the mint mark (NR for Santa Fe) and assayer's initials.

Technical/Grading: Struck in .916 gold, weighing 13.5 grams with a 32mm diameter, these coins often exhibit variable strike quality typical of colonial mints. High points susceptible to wear include the highest curls of the hair and drapery on the obverse, and the crown and upper shield quadrants on the reverse. Collectors should seek well-centered strikes with strong legend details. Planchet imperfections, such as minor laminations or surface irregularities, are common and reflect the less refined production methods of the era.