Numismatics Blog
A Brief Overview of Spanish Africa Spanish Africa refers to the territories and colonies under Spanish control on the African continent from the 15th to the 20th century. Spain had a significant presence in Africa, particularly in areas such as the Canary Islands, Western Sahara, Spanish Guinea (now Equatorial Guinea), Spanish Morocco, and Ifni. The…
As the Catholic Monarchs who united the Kingdoms of Castile and Aragon, Ferdinand II and Isabella I hold a special place in Spanish history. Their reign from 1474 to 1516 ushered in a period of political, cultural, and economic change that laid the foundation for modern Spain. One area where their influence is particularly evident…
Spain has a long and rich history of coin minting that dates back to the early medieval period. The innovations and techniques developed by skilled craftspeople in the region have played a crucial role in shaping the coinage that was used for trade and commerce throughout Europe. In this article, we will delve into the…
Counterfeit Spanish coins have a long and fascinating history, with their origins dating back to the early days of the Spanish Empire. This comprehensive guide will delve into the methods and motives behind these fraudulent numismatic pieces, as well as provide collectors with essential tips for detecting counterfeit coins in their own collections. The following…
The history of the Spanish treasure fleets is a captivating tale of exploration, maritime trade, and the incredible wealth that was amassed during the Age of Discovery. These fleets carried immense cargoes of gold and silver coins, which continue to fascinate collectors and numismatists today. In this article, we will delve into the world of…
The Spanish Civil War, a conflict that raged from 1936 to 1939, had a profound impact on various aspects of Spanish society. Among these was the nation’s coinage and monetary system. In this article, we will explore the fascinating story of emergency money, local currency issues, and the struggle for monetary control during this tumultuous…
A Brief Overview of the Spanish Doubloon The Spanish doubloon was a gold coin minted in Spain between the early 16th and mid-19th centuries. Its name comes from the Spanish word doblón, which means “double,” as the coin was initially worth two escudos. As Spain’s influence grew during the Age of Exploration, the doubloon became…
The Reconquista, a crucial period in Spanish history, took place between the 8th and 15th centuries. This epoch of religious, cultural, and territorial conflict between the Christian kingdoms and Muslim Moors had a significant impact on the development of Spanish coinage. This article delves into the evolution of money and currency during the Christian reclamation…
As one of the most influential gold coins in Spanish history, the Escudo has left an indelible mark on global trade and commerce. From its inception during the early days of the Spanish Empire to its eventual replacement by the gold Peseta, the Escudo remains an enduring symbol of Spain’s economic might and global influence….
The Napoleonic Era was a time of great upheaval and turmoil in Europe, with many nations being drawn into the conflicts that arose during the period. One country that was particularly affected by these events was Spain, which saw its monetary system and numismatic heritage undergo significant changes as a result of war, occupation, and…
As the capital of Spain, Madrid is home to the Spanish Royal Mint, which has played a pivotal role in the country’s numismatic history. The coins produced by the Mint are an invaluable reflection of Spain’s rich history and cultural heritage. In this article, we will explore the masterpieces of numismatic art and history produced…
Spanish colonial coinage played a crucial role in the expansion and development of the Spanish Empire in the Americas. As the empire grew and prospered, the coins became a symbol of power, trade, and influence, shaping the course of history in the New World. In this article, we will explore the origins, design, and impact…
Spain’s rich numismatic history is shaped by a multitude of currencies and coins that have circulated throughout the Iberian Peninsula. Among them, the peseta stands out as a symbol of national unity and pride. In this article, we will explore the birth of the peseta, its journey towards becoming the unified Spanish currency, and the…
The history of Spanish coinage is a fascinating tale of cultural exchange, political upheaval, and economic development. This article will explore the influence of the Arab conquest on Spanish coinage, particularly the transition from Visigothic to Moorish monetary systems and their lasting impact on the region. We will delve into the historical context of this…
The Iberian Peninsula, located in the southwestern part of Europe, has a long and fascinating history that dates back to prehistoric times. The first human settlement in the region is believed to have occurred around 35,000 years ago. Over time, different cultures and civilizations have emerged and shaped the landscape of the peninsula, including the…
The Early Days: From Conquest to the First Mints The Spanish conquest of the Americas in the early 16th century led to the need for a stable currency system. Initially, the Spanish used cobs, irregularly-shaped silver coins that were crudely cut and hammered, as the primary form of currency. These cobs were produced in Spain…
Coins of the Visigothic Kingdom: Unearthing the Rich Numismatic History of Spain and the Intricacies of Coin Production during the 5th to 8th Centuries The Visigothic Kingdom, which emerged in the 5th century and lasted until the 8th century, was a critical chapter in the history of the Iberian Peninsula. The coinage produced during this…
Al-Andalus, the Muslim-ruled territory in the Iberian Peninsula, was a melting pot of cultures and artistic expression. One of the most significant aspects of its rich history is the golden age of Spanish coinage. This article explores the fascinating story of Islamic coinage in Spain and the regional differences in coin design that emerged during…