Issuer: Castile and Leon, Kingdom of Composition: Silver (.931); Title: Real - Juan I (Seville); Ruler: John I
The Kingdom of Castile and León during the reign of Juan I (John I) in the late 14th century is a period of significant historical interest, particularly in the context of its numismatic practices. The issuance of the silver Real under Juan I, minted in Seville, highlights the intricate economic, political, and social dynamics of medieval Spain. The Real, composed of .931 fine silver, not only served as a crucial medium of exchange but also as a symbol of the monarchy's authority and the kingdom's economic stability.
Juan I's reign (1379-1390) was marked by both internal strife and external challenges, including conflicts with Portugal and the Crown of Aragon, as well as the complexities of managing relationships with the nobility and the clergy. Amid these challenges, the minting of high-quality silver coinage like the Real was a deliberate effort to maintain economic confidence and facilitate trade both within the kingdom and with its neighbors.
The choice of Seville as a minting location underscores the city's importance as a commercial and maritime hub, integral to Castile and León's trade networks, especially with the Muslim world and the rest of Europe. The high silver content (.931) of the Real reflects the wealth flowing into Castile and León from its territories and its engagement in the burgeoning silver trade that was beginning to reshape global economic landscapes.
Moreover, the coinage of Juan I's era is invaluable for historians, offering insights into the technological, artistic, and administrative capabilities of the time. The designs and inscriptions on these coins provide clues about contemporary political ideologies, religious sentiments, and cultural identities. In this way, the silver Real of Juan I is not merely a piece of historical currency but a tangible connection to the complex tapestry of medieval Spanish history, reflecting the ambitions, challenges, and intricacies of the Kingdom of Castile and León during a pivotal era in the Iberian Peninsula's past.
Denomination | Real |
Metal | Silver (.931) |
Size (mm) | Weight (g) | | 3.2 (g) |
Obverse | DOMINVS : MICHI : ADIVTOR : ET EGO : DI / SPICIAM : INIMICOS : MEOS |
Reverse | IOHANIS :DEI GRACIA : REX CASTELLE |
References | AB 539;Cy 1441; |
Rating | Rating Group | Serial Number | XF 45 | NGC | 6640400019 |
Links | Link 3 |