Philip III 2 Escudos

The most interesting thing about Philip III's 2 escudos is that it was often struck using gold from the Potosí mines in Peru, which had been transported across the Atlantic on heavily laden galleons. That metal had already seen more adventure than most coins ever will.

Weighing around 6.77 grams with a fineness of about 22 karats, this coin featured the king's bust on one side and the Spanish coat of arms on the other. Designs varied slightly by mint, such as Seville or Madrid, but quality control was spotty—common for the era. I've handled dozens; the edges sometimes show signs of clipping, as people tried to shave off a bit of that precious gold.

Exact mintage figures are murky. Records from that period were poorly kept, and many were destroyed in later conflicts. If you're chasing one, expect wear from circulation; these weren't meant for vaults.

Some collectors quip that owning one is like holding a piece of history that's heavier than your average euro—though that's giving it too much credit.