Kingdom of Castille and Leon. Beatriz de Portugal. 1 real. (1384). Santarem (Portugal). (Bautista-715.1 var. ley.). (Imperatrix-DB:1.3 var. ley.). (Abm-579). Anv.: + DOMINVS: MICHI: ADIVTOR: ET: EGO: DISPI / CIAM: INIMICVS: DOMINVS: MIC. Crowned bust of Doña Beatriz facing left, flanked by S-A. Rev.: + BEATRICIS: D: G: REGINA: CASTELE: ED: PO. Quartered with the arms of Castile and León and the five shields (quinas) of Portugal. Ag. 2,85 g.

Roundel beneath the castle on the right of the 4th quarter. Slight flan crack at the edge, not affecting the legend. Extremely rare and of the highest numismatic interest.

This silver real, of great historical importance, was struck in 1384 during one of the most turbulent periods in Portuguese history, marked by the succession crisis following the death of King Ferdinand I. Beatriz, the king’s only daughter, was designated heir by the Treaty of Salvaterra de Magos (1383), which stipulated her marriage to Juan I of Castile. This agreement guaranteed the separation of the two kingdoms, even under the same sovereign, and included specific conditions for coinage. Coins had to bear the symbols of Portugal and be issued under the queen’s supervision.

After Ferdinand I’s death, his widow, Leonor Téllez, assumed the regency on behalf of Beatriz. However, her authority was not universally accepted. Many cities and nobles refused to recognize Beatriz as queen, and a revolt in Lisbon proclaimed the Master of Avis as Regent and Defender of the Kingdom. Meanwhile, Juan I of Castile claimed his rights to the Portuguese throne, sparking a struggle for control of the realm.

This coin was minted in Santarém between January and March of 1384, during a period in which Leonor still tried to maintain her authority. The obverse features a bust of the monarch modeled after those appearing on the torneses of Ferdinand I, while the reverse displays the quartered arms of Castile and Portugal, symbolizing the proposed union of the crowns under Beatriz. Curiously, the legend on the coin mentions only Beatriz as queen, with no reference to her husband, Juan I of Castile.

Shortly thereafter, the conflicts between Portugal and Castile escalated. The Castilian troops failed to secure control, and in 1385, the Master of Avis was proclaimed King John I of Portugal. He would consolidate his position following his decisive victory over the Castilians at the Battle of Aljubarrota.

Due to the brevity of its issue and the extraordinary circumstances of its minting, this silver real is extremely rare and highly coveted by collectors—not only for its unique typology, but also for its immense historical significance. Choice VF. Est...50000,00.