4 Maravedis - Charles I
1542 (1542-1551) years| Copper | - | - |
| Issuer | New Spain (Mexico) |
|---|---|
| King | Charles I (1535-1556) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 1542 (1542-1551) |
| Value | 4 Maravedis (⅛) |
| Currency | Real (1535-1897) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Shape | Round |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#15139 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 90% |
Reverse
At center the Spanish arms; a Castle and Lion sharing a crown held by a pillar; symbol of Castilla y León. At bottom the value flanked by 3 dots on each side.
On the outer circle a legend topped by a cross.
Lettering on this coin is divided in half and should be read from the Obverse to the Reverse to complete the Spanish Imperial motto of "CAROLVS ET IOHANA REGES HISPANIARVM ET INDIARVM"; which in most coins is placed completely on one side of the coin by abbreviating most words
Script: Latin
Lettering:
✝
HISPANIARUM : ET : INDIARUM
∴4∴
Translation: Of Spain and of the Indies
Comment
Formerly KM#3Also known as "Carlos I and Juana"
These Maravedis coins where made to be used by the Natives to replace barter which had until then been their main way of trade. They rejected the coins as they where seen as inferior to the Silver Reales and a way for the Conquistadores to take their merchandise in exchange for mere copper. Most of these coins where thrown to the Texcoco Lake by them; this was the main source for these coins for prospectors, and it is the reason why most of them are rusted after passing centuries underwater or in muddy soil after the lake was reduced in size.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the 4 Maravedis coin from New Spain (Mexico) made of Copper is that it was used as a form of currency during the Spanish colonization of the Americas. The coin was minted in Mexico City and was used to facilitate trade and commerce between the Spanish colonies and the indigenous populations. The coin's design features the image of Charles I, also known as Charles V, who was the King of Spain and Holy Roman Emperor at the time. The coin's value was equivalent to 4 maravedis, which was a unit of currency used in Spain and its colonies. Despite its age, some of these coins can still be found in good condition and are highly sought after by collectors today.
