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PHILIP
II
1580-1598
Obverse:
Crowned shield of
the House of Hapsburg, mint and assayer to left, legend around.
“15”
visible at two o’clock.
Reverse:
Cross of
Jerusalem surrounded by legend.
The only son of Charles I and Isabella of Portugal, Philip II presided
over Spain at the zenith of its golden century. Included in his domain
were almost all of South and Central America, most of North America, and
portions of the Netherlands. In addition, he exercised immense influence
over other portions of Europe through marriage and royal relationships.
He was married to Maria of Portugal, Mary I of England, Elizabeth of
France, and Anna, daughter of Maximilian II.
Reckless overspending on war and diplomatic enterprise led to rampant
inflation and the beginning of the country’s decline. The flood of cob
(hand struck) coinage arriving from the colonial mints was exiting Spain
as rapidly as the plate (treasure) fleets delivered it. It was he who
suffered the crushing humiliation of losing Spain’s “invincible” armada
to England’s Queen Elizabeth.
With the exception of the half real, the coins of Philip II bear an
obverse crowned shield of the House of Hapsburg. The half real has the
word Philippus in monogram.
Coinage of this reign was issued in denominations of 8,4,2,1,1/2, and ¼
reales. Most cobs of this period were somewhat crude but a few circular
pieces are known. Due to the roughness and irregularity of planchet
circumference, it is easy to see why legends were missing and obverse
and reverse impressions unreadable. The only coin mark of importance to
Spanish authority was the assayer’s initials which guaranteed the
fineness of the bullion. Philip II coins of New Spain are undated. Dated
issues are known from 1588 in old world
mints.
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