The 1753 Chile 8 Escudos, struck under King Ferdinand VI at the Santiago Mint (denoted by the “SO” mintmark and assayer “J”), is an important and desirable piece of Spanish colonial coinage. It represents both monetary power and numismatic artistry from the heart of the Spanish Empire’s South American territories.

With a denomination of 8 escudos, this coin was the highest gold denomination regularly struck, equal to one Spanish “doubloon” and used as global currency in the 18th century.

Historical Context: The Power of Colonial Gold

By the mid-18th century, the Spanish Empire spanned across the Americas, extracting precious metals from New Spain, Peru, Colombia, and Chile. These metals were minted into coins that circulated throughout the world—used for international commerce, military campaigns, and royal treasuries.

While many 8 Escudos coins were struck in Mexico or Lima, those minted in Santiago, Chile, were produced in much lower quantities, making them significantly scarcer and far more desirable today.

The 1753 issue falls into the “pillar and waves” series of escudos, which symbolized the Pillars of Hercules and Spain’s motto: “PLUS ULTRA” ("Further Beyond")—a reference to global expansion and exploration.

Design Details

• Obverse:

  • Crowned Spanish shield

  • Cross of Jerusalem within, surrounded by castles and lions (symbolizing Castile and León)

  • Mintmark “S” over “O” for Santiago

  • Assayer initial “J”

  • Denomination “8 S” (8 Escudos)

• Reverse:

  • Two pillars representing the Pillars of Hercules

  • Flowing banners inscribed with “PLUS ULTRA”

  • Waves below to represent global maritime power

  • Crowned globes atop each pillar

This design conveys not just monetary authority but the imagery of world domination through maritime navigation, aligning with Spain’s 18th-century worldview.

Coin Specifications

• Country: Chile (under Spanish rule)

• Year: 1753

• Mint: Santiago

• Assayer: J

• Denomination: 8 Escudos

• Metal: 91.7% Gold

• Weight: Approx. 27.07 grams

• Diameter: Approx. 36 mm

• Edge: Milled

• Certification: NGC AU Details

Grading Insight – NGC AU Details

This piece was certified About Uncirculated (AU) Details by NGC, indicating it retains nearly all its original design detail with only minimal circulation wear.

“Details” grading typically refers to an issue such as:

• Cleaning

• Light surface hairlines

• Edge marks or prior mounting (jewelry use)

Despite this designation, the coin boasts:

• Strong strike quality

• Brilliant remaining luster

• Exceptional relief and clarity in legends and devices

Given the rarity of the type, even AU Details examples are prized by serious collectors.

Why Chilean 8 Escudos Are So Sought After

• Low mintages compared to Mexico or Peru

• Fewer surviving examples in any condition

• Seldom offered at auction or in the open market

• Pillar and Waves type is especially iconic

• Reflects both colonial history and monetary legacy

This 1753 coin exemplifies a rare intersection of numismatic value, gold content, and artistic design.

Collector Appeal

This coin is perfect for:

• Colonial Spanish gold collectors

• Chilean numismatic specialists

• Collectors of 8 Escudos or gold doubloons

• World trade coinage enthusiasts

• Anyone seeking a visually striking example of 18th-century monetary history

Preservation & Display Tips

• Keep in NGC encapsulation for long-term protection

• Store in a dry, temperature-controlled environment

• Ideal for inclusion in a colonial gold type set or a “Gold of the Empires” collection

Conclusion

The 1753 SO J Chile 8 Escudos is a monumental artifact of Spain’s global influence and the rich mining legacy of colonial South America. With its Santiago origin, limited survival rate, and compelling design, it remains one of the most desirable gold coins from the 18th-century Spanish world.

Certified by NGC and retaining bold details despite its "Details" designation, this coin offers collectors a rare opportunity to own a tangible piece of colonial history—one struck at the edge of the Spanish Empire in the southern Andes.

This description is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Please seek guidance from a licensed financial adviser for investment-related matters.