1 Ducat - Ferdinand II ND
| Gold (.990) | 3.4 g | 21 mm |
| Issuer | Principality of Catalonia (Spanish States) |
|---|---|
| Count | Ferdinand II (1479-1516) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1493-1516 |
| Value | 1 Ducat (6⁄5) |
| Currency | Libra |
| Composition | Gold (.990) |
| Weight | 3.4 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-07 |
| Numista | N#118803 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 94% |
Reverse
Crowned shield between mint marks. Legend around, between beaded circles.
Script: Latin
Lettering: CASTELLE AR COMES B
Translation: of Castile and Aragon and count of Barcelona
Comment
Ferdinand II (Aragonese: Ferrando, Spanish: Fernando, Catalan: Ferran) (10 March 1452 – 23 January 1516), called the Catholic, was King of Sicily from 1468 and King of Aragon[1] from 1479 until his death. As a consequence of his marriage to Isabella I, he was King of Castile as Ferdinand V from 1474 until her death in 1504. He was recognised as regent of Castile for his daughter and heir, Joanna, from 1508 until his own death. In 1504, after a war with France, he became King of Naples as Ferdinand III, reuniting Naples with Sicily permanently and for the first time since 1458. In 1512, he became King of Navarre by conquest.
Ferdinand is today best known for his role in inaugurating the discovery of the New World, since he and Isabella sponsored the first voyage of Christopher Columbus in 1492. That year he also fought the final war with Granada which expunged the last Islamic state on Iberian soil, thus bringing to a close the centuries-long Reconquista. At his death he was succeeded by Joanna, who co-ruled with her son, Charles V, over all the Iberian kingdoms save Portugal.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the 1 Ducat - Ferdinand II ND (1493-1516) coin from Principality of Catalonia (Spanish States) is that it was minted during a time of great economic and political change in the region. The Principality of Catalonia was part of the Crown of Aragon, which was a powerful kingdom that spanned across modern-day Spain, France, and Italy. During Ferdinand II's reign, the Principality of Catalonia experienced significant economic growth and cultural development, which is reflected in the design and quality of the coin. The coin's gold content and intricate design demonstrate the advanced minting techniques and the wealth of the region at that time.
