2 Maravedis - Philip II Segovia,milled
| Billon | 3.6 g | 18 mm |
| Issuer | Spain |
|---|---|
| King | Philip II (1556-1598) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1597-1598 |
| Value | 2 Maravedis (1⁄17) |
| Currency | Real (1497-1833) |
| Composition | Billon |
| Weight | 3.6 g |
| Diameter | 18 mm |
| Thickness | 2 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Roller milled |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-07 |
| Numista | N#48164 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 78% |
Reverse
Crowned lion in circle. Legend with date around.
Script: Latin
Lettering: HISPAN·REGNORUM·REX·1598·
Interesting fact
The 2 Maravedis coin from Spain, minted between 1597 and 1598, features a unique design element - a small cross on the reverse side, which was added to the coin's design to counteract the belief that the coin was cursed. This belief was likely due to the coin's unusual shape and the fact that it was made of billon, a silver-copper alloy that was not commonly used in coinage at the time. The addition of the cross was meant to reassure the public that the coin was legitimate and not cursed, and it is a fascinating example of how superstition and folklore can influence the design of currency.
