Mexico City, Mexico, gold cob 8 escudos, (1714) J, "GRAT" variety (date on reverse not visible), NGC MS 62 (1715 Fleet Label). S-M30; KM-57.2; Cal-2212; Tauler-396. 26.75 grams. While the "GRAT" dies (so named for the placement of GRAT where the date normally appears, along with moving the date to the legend on the reverse) were clearly a refinement of the details, unfortunately the planchets were not so well prepared and you tend to see flat areas and doubling where multiple attempts were made to impart the die details onto the coin. This coin is a classic example, with some parts choice (like the all-important GRAT plus the crown and most of the cross) but much of the centers are weak or flat or slightly doubled, with luster throughout per the grade, also with clear denomination VIII over IIIV, one of several die-punching errors that characterize the "GRAT" dies. From the 1715 Fleet, with original Cobb Coin Co. (Mel Fisher) plastic and paper tags NCB-MOE4295 (1987).
