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Lot description

Charles I (1516-1556). 1 escudo. ND (1535). Barcelona. (Cal-122). Anv.: CA / ROLVS · V / IMPERAT / OR. Rev.: + HISPANIARVM · ET · VTRIVSQ3 · SICILE · REX. Cross terminated by imperial crowns, K in the 1st and 4th quarters. Au. 3,32 g.

Struck for the expedition to Tunisia. An excellent specimen of this issue. The struck is strong and crisp despite slight double strike on the obverse. Rare, especially in this condition.

On the occasion of the great expedition against Tunis, Emperor Charles V ordered, by Royal Decree issued in Barcelona on 30 May 1535, the striking of a specific monetary issue intended to finance the campaign “for the attack upon and expulsion of the Turks and Moors, enemies of our Holy Catholic Faith, in which I shall personally take part.”

For this purpose, gold and silver were sent from the Casa de la Contratación de las Indias in Seville to Barcelona, where the coins were struck in a house on Carrer de Basea by officials from several mints, including Seville, Toledo and Burgos.

The gold pieces were struck at a fineness of 22 carats and at a rate of 68 pieces to the Castilian mark. The obverse bore the Emperor’s full arms beneath the imperial eagle, with the legend CA / ROLVS · V / IMPERAT / OR; the reverse displayed a cross with imperial crowns, the letter K in the first and fourth quarters, and the legend + HISPANIARVM · ET · VTRIVSQ3 · SICILE · REX. These coins were designated “imperial escudos” and assigned a value of twelve silver reales.

The participation of officials from different mints explains the numerous die varieties known within the issue. Despite its historical and numismatic importance, this coinage met with limited acceptance, especially in Barcelona, where it appears to have circulated only sparingly, being regarded as of lower fineness than the coinage previously in use. XF. Est...2500,00.

Starting bid

1.000 €

Current bid

1.400 €

Bid history ( bids)

Lot 128 | Spanish Monarchy

Historical Background

Lot description