KINGDOM OF CASTILLA AND LEON

ALFONSO X "THE WISE"

(1252-1284)

He married Doña Violante, daughter of James I of Aragon. During his reign, various economic processes led to price increases, which in turn necessitated monetary changes that resulted in the introduction of new types of coinage. He founded the University of Salamanca and was a notable poet and scholar. It was through his initiative that the *Siete Partidas* (a comprehensive legal code) and the beautiful *Cantigas*—written in the Galician language—came into existence.

Although designated as the successor to the German throne, he never actually wore that crown. He captured the city of Niebla and brought Jerez, Arcos, Medina Sidonia, Murcia, and Lebrija under his control. He defeated his brother Henry, who had rebelled—aided by certain supportive nobles—as a consequence of the aforementioned economic instability.

SIX-LINE DINERO

MINT: CORUÑA

OBVERSE: Legend in six lines: ALFONSVS REX CASTELLE ET LEGIONIS.

REVERSE: Quartered with castles and lions; an antique scallop shell in the first quarter and a roundel in the second and third quarters.

WEIGHT: 0.80 g.

A. BURGOS: 230.4

Good Very Fine

SCARCE

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