Spanish gold added to my collection

Hello everyone! Hope your week went well. Today, I'm excited to present one of my latest world coin additions: a 1764 Spanish gold half-escudo. It's not often I get to add a gold coin to my collection! This one is a necessarily modest little piece, but quite attractive and with a lot of history behind it.

KINGDOM OF SPAIN
Time of Charles III, 1759-1788
AV ½ Escudo (14.4mm, 1.7g, 12h)
Dated 1764. Madrid mint, Spain
Obverse: · CAROLUS III · D · G ·, head of King Charles III right, date below
Reverse: · HISPANIARUM · REX · around crowned coat of arms of Spain; J·M·P (mintmarks) below
References: Numista 44669
Mintage: 123,771​

The Spanish empire, which had been in a slow decline by the late 17th century, experienced something of a revival with the establishment of the new Bourbon dynasty at the end of the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714). So named for their descent from the French kings, the Spanish Bourbons, beginning with Philip V, embarked on a program of institutional reform within the Spanish empire. These reforms included restructuring antiquated methods of colonial governance, modernizing the Spanish military, and increasing efficiency in trade and commerce – all of which had the effect of renewing Spanish power and wealth both in the New World colonies and in Spain itself.

King Charles III (r. 1759-1788) in particular was an enthusiastic proponent of reform in accordance with Enlightenment thought. During his nearly 30 years on the Spanish throne, he continued to pursue institutional, fiscal, and military reform and encouraged development in science and industry. According to the historian Stanley G. Payne, Charles III was “probably the most successful European ruler of his generation. He had provided firm, consistent, intelligent leadership. He had chosen capable ministers and then supported their authority effectively…his sober, pious, firm rule and simple, chaste personal life had won the respect of his people.” (A History of Spain and Portugal [1973], vol. 2, 371.)

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Thanks for taking a look! Feel free to comment and/or post your own Spanish gold coins or anything else you feel like.

 

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Yep, excuse my French but that gold piece is bada$$, I like it a a lot!

 

Thats the first time I remember seeing Hispaniarum in the legend of any coin, neat.

 

Thanks!