A Journey Through Time: Unpacking Spain's Rich History Through Its Coins

 

Spain's history is a tapestry woven from diverse cultures, kingdoms, and empires. While textbooks recount the major events, there's another fascinating way to explore this past: through its coinage. From ancient Roman dominance to the modern Euro, the coins that have circulated in what is now Spain offer a tangible link to twenty-five centuries of history, encompassing conquests, discoveries, art, and identity.

Roman Dominion: Coins as Tools of Conquest

During the Roman presence in Iberia, coins were far more than just a means of monetary exchange. The Romans viewed coins as representations of power, especially their power over newly-conquered peoples. Instead of simply using coins for transactions, they paraded plundered coins in triumphs and even overstruck their own coins on captured ones during the Punic Wars. This suggests a symbolic significance beyond mere economic value. The Romans also engaged in large-scale gold mining in Hispania, notably at Las Medulas around 200 AD.

Visigothic Era: Asserting Authority Through Coinage

Following the Romans, the conquering Visigoths also issued their own coinage. Under King Leovigild (612-621), the Visigoth kingdom flourished and sought to rule the entire peninsula. Initially, Leovigild adopted the monetary system and way of living of the Byzantines, who were present in southern Spain. However, after regaining full control of the Iberian Peninsula, he stopped displaying the image of the Roman emperor on his coins, a clear signal denying the formal authority of Constantinople. The Visigoths issued coarse coinage with their own designs.

Al-Andalus: Coins as Symbols of State and Faith

The Islamic conquest of the Iberian Peninsula beginning in 711 AD brought a new era of coinage to the region, known as Al-Andalus. From the very start of Islam, coins served not only an economic and fiscal function but were also a key instrument for transmitting state ideology. Inscriptions on coins, which were never chosen randomly, became the image of power and a main element of the ideological propaganda of leaders.

During the early period of the Islamic conquest and the rule of governors (beginning 711 AD), the first coins were gold solidi or dinars. These early issues featured Latin inscriptions alongside Arabic elements, reflecting a transitional stage. A significant characteristic of these early Andalusi coins was the symbol of the star. Traditionally seen as a "canting arm" referencing the peninsula's Greek name Hesperia (west star), recent hypotheses suggest it might have taken the place of the message of the oneness of God in some early bilingual dinars, leaving only the reference to the prophetic mission of Muḥammad. The first bilingual dinars appeared in Cordoba, which became the capital of Al-Andalus.

The Umayyad Caliphate of Al-Andalus, proclaimed in Cordoba in 929 AD, used coinage to assert its power and compete with other caliphates. The Cordoba mint was reopened, coining gold dinars (a right reserved for caliphal powers) and silver dirhams. The move of the mint from Cordoba to the new palatine city of Madīnat al-Zahrā’ in 947 AD was a clear expression of the use of coins as an ideological and propagandistic instrument, reflecting symbolic confrontation with rivals. The coins minted here bore the name of Madīnat al-Zahrā’ as the mint.

The civil war (fitna) starting in 1009 AD led to the division of Al-Andalus into independent Ṭā ۥifa kingdoms. This struggle for power was clearly reflected in the coinage. The recognition of different caliphs determined the early coinage of these kingdoms. After the disappearance of the Ḥammūdid dynasty, in the absence of a recognized caliph in Al-Andalus, the Ṭā ۥifas often resorted to mentioning a generic ‘Abd Allāh (theoretically referencing the ‘Abbāsid caliph) or minted coins without any caliphal recognition. The Ṭā ۥifas' currency became an image of the absence of power and legitimacy, marked by a proliferation of mints (twenty-two), metrological alterations, and a loss of coin quality due to difficulties in accessing silver from the Maghreb, which was controlled by powers that didn't recognize their legitimacy.

The Ḥammūdid Caliphate, emerging in 1016 AD, presented a new image of power through its coins, attempting to fuse Sunni and Shi'a traditions to gain acceptance. They introduced symbols like the fish and a proliferation of stars, which had Shi'a connotations and protective value. The Ḥammūdid caliphate enjoyed significant recognition in the Maghreb, striking coins in several mints there. The quality and prestige of the dinars of the first three Ḥammūdid caliphs led to their imitation by the Counts of Barcelona, known as "mancuses". These imitations sometimes included the names of the minters alongside the caliphs, demonstrating recognition of Ḥammūdid sovereignty.

The Sunni Almoravids (5th/11th century) recognized the sovereignty of the ‘Abbāsid caliph and adopted minor titles for themselves. Their coins featured a specific Quranic marginal legend symbolizing the superiority of Sunni Islam. They minted coins in 15 different locations in al-Andalus. The great quality of the Almoravid dinars led Christian kingdoms to imitate them. Alphonse VIII of Castile, for instance, struck "morabetinos" or "maravedis" in Toledo, maintaining the Almoravid typology and Arabic legends but adapting them to Christian beliefs, replacing Islamic references with his own name, title, a cross, and Gospel verses.

The Almohads (beginning 1171 AD) conquered al-Andalus and made Seville their capital. They removed recognition of the ‘Abbāsid caliphs from their coins and enacted a major reform, notably making coins square or round with an inscribed square. Their coins used naskh calligraphy and featured inscriptions based on their doctrine, emphasizing divine oneness. They minted coins in thirteen locations in al-Andalus. Like previous Islamic dynasties, Almohad coins, both gold and silver, were also copied by Christian kingdoms. The Castilian "dobla," a common currency in the late Middle Ages, was inspired by Almohad dinars, and Almohad silver coins were imitated in Catalonia as "millares".

The last Islamic state in the Iberian Peninsula was the Naṣrid Kingdom of Granada (mid-13th to late 15th century). Initially, their coinage followed the Almohad model, but they soon introduced their defining feature: their dynastic motto, "Wa lā Gālib illā Allāh" ("And there is no victor but God"). This motto was widely spread through their coins, more so than its famous inscriptions on the Alhambra walls. Naṣrid coins, particularly in later years, reflected the pressure from Christian kingdoms through the inclusion of Quranic legends and pious formulas requesting God's help. The quality of currency diminished in the final years of the kingdom, with the minting of "electrum" (gold-silver alloy) coins and dated copper coins. They also introduced numismatic innovations like "dinarines" and "square dinars".

Throughout the period of Al-Andalus, coins served as a clear picture of the political, religious, and economic evolution of the different powers, with legends consciously chosen to convey specific messages. The high quality and prestige of Andalusi coinage significantly influenced the monetary systems of the neighboring Christian kingdoms.

Beyond Al-Andalus: Maravedís, Pesetas, and Euros

After the Reconquista, Spain's monetary history continued to evolve. The Royal Spanish Mint, also known as the Real Casa de la Moneda, traces its origins back to 1467, making it one of the oldest mints in the world. Historical Spanish currencies included the Spanish Escudo, Spanish Real, and the Spanish Peseta. The 1500s saw a significant influx of gold and silver from the Americas, which declined in the 1600s.

Today, the Royal Mint of Spain is responsible for producing Euro coins for circulation, as well as gold and silver coins for collectors. They also produce medals, banknotes, stamps, and secure documents like passports. The mint is even featured prominently in the first season of the popular TV show "Money Heist".

Collectible coins produced by the Royal Mint of Spain are rich with history and meaning. Companies like GovMint have partnered with the Royal Mint to make these items more widely available to collectors in North America. While gold investment was difficult in Spain in the late 20th century, there has been increasing interest since 2010.

From ancient tools of conquest to modern collectibles and a symbol of national identity, Spanish coins truly offer a miniature history book in the palm of your hand. Exploring the evolution of their designs, metals, and inscriptions provides a unique window into the complex and fascinating story of Spain.

Key Concepts and Themes

• Coins as Historical Documents: Coins are not just economic tools; they serve as vital material remains that reflect the history, culture, politics, and ideologies of the societies that produced them.
• Roman Coinage and Conquest: The Romans consciously used coinage as a tool of conquest and control in conquered territories like Iberian Peninsula (Hispania). Victory coins, depicting military power and triumphs, served as a constant visual reminder of Roman authority and Iberian subjugation.
• Spanish Mint History: The Royal Mint of Spain (Real Casa de la Moneda/Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre – Real Casa de la Moneda (FNMT-RCM)) has a long and complex history, with origins dating back to the 15th century and various locations before its current form.
• Evolution of Currency in Spain: Spain has used several currencies throughout its history, including the Spanish Escudo, Spanish Real, Spanish Peseta, and currently the Euro. The shift between these currencies reflects political and economic changes.
• Al-Andalus Coinage and Political Power: The coinage of Al-Andalus, the Islamic-ruled territories in the Iberian Peninsula, provides a clear picture of the changing political landscape, dynasties, and religious ideologies through its legends, symbols, and metrology. Coins were a primary symbol of sovereignty and legitimacy for rulers.
• Influence and Imitation: Spanish coinage, particularly during the Islamic period, was influential and often imitated by neighboring Christian kingdoms, such as the Castilian "morabetinos" or "maravedis" based on Almoravid dinars and the Catalan "millares" based on Almohad coins. These imitations, while adopting the aesthetic and perhaps economic value, often modified the religious or political inscriptions.
• The Naṣrid Kingdom Coinage: The coinage of the last Islamic state in the Iberian Peninsula, the Naṣrid Kingdom of Granada, reflects its political isolation and the pressure from Christian kingdoms through its unique mottos, Quranic verses, and petitions for divine help.
• Metrology and Quality: Changes in coin weight, metal purity (fineness), and overall quality often indicate periods of political stability, economic prosperity, or crisis and loss of central control.
• Mints as Centers of Power: The location and proliferation of mints throughout history reflect the decentralized or centralized nature of ruling powers.

Important Periods and Coinage

• Roman Iberia (Hispania): Use of "victory coins" to assert authority, importance of Iberian silver mines for the Roman economy.
• Visigothic Kingdom: Early coarse coinage, later imitation of Byzantine monetary system, eventual removal of Roman emperor images to assert independence.
• Al-Andalus (Islamic Rule):Early Islamic Conquest: First issues appearing during the conquest.
• Umayyad Emirate: Maintaining Oriental Umayyad model, focus on silver dirhams, fragmentation of coins.
• Umayyad Caliphate: Reintroduction of gold dinars, significant monetary reform, recognition in the Maghreb, imitation by Christian kingdoms ("mancuses").
• Ḥammūdid Caliphate: Introduction of Shi'a iconography (fish, stars, octogram, hexagram), recognized in the Maghreb, imitated by the Counts of Barcelona.
• Ṭā ۥifa Kingdoms: Proliferation of mints, metrological alterations, loss of quality, variety of typologies reflecting political fragmentation and lack of access to silver.
• Almoravids: Sunni ideology, recognition of Abbāsid caliph, use of Quranic verses on coins, introduction of "quirats," imitation by Christian kingdoms ("morabetinos" or "maravedis").
• Almohads: Square or round coins with inscribed squares, use of naskh calligraphy, emphasis on divine oneness and the mahdī, anonymous dirhams, imitation by Christian kingdoms ("dobla," "millares").
• Naṣrid Kingdom: Last Islamic state, use of dynastic motto ("Wa lā Gālib illā Allāh"), reflection of political isolation and pressure through religious inscriptions and petitions for help, use of "dinarines."
• Post-Reconquista Spanish Currency: Spanish Escudo, Spanish Real, Spanish Peseta, Euro.

Quiz

1. How did the Romans utilize coins as a tool of conquest in areas like Roman Iberia?
2. What is the primary function of the Royal Mint of Spain today, and what is its historical significance?
3. According to the source, how do coins serve as vital historical documents beyond their economic function?
4. Describe the typical appearance of an early Al-Andalus dinar, including its legends and symbols.
5. What did the appearance of the caliph's name on coins in Al-Andalus signify?
6. How did the coinage of the Ṭā ۥifa kingdoms reflect the political fragmentation of Al-Andalus?
7. What is a "mancus," and what does its existence tell us about the interaction between Christian and Islamic powers in the Iberian Peninsula?
8. What is the significance of the dynastic motto "Wa lā Gālib illā Allāh" on Naṣrid coins?
9. What does the changing quality and metrology of coins in Al-Andalus indicate about the ruling powers?
10. Name at least three different historical currencies used in Spain according to the sources.

Essay Questions

1. Analyze how the coinage of different Islamic dynasties in Al-Andalus (Umayyad, Ḥammūdid, Almoravid, Almohad, Naṣrid) served as a reflection of their political power, religious ideology, and historical context.
2. Discuss the ways in which coins acted as a tool of political control and assertion of authority in both Roman Iberia and Al-Andalus. Compare and contrast the methods and messages employed by these different powers.
3. Evaluate the role of imitation in the history of Spanish coinage, considering examples from both the Roman and Islamic periods. What can these imitations tell us about power dynamics, cultural exchange, and economic integration?
4. Trace the evolution of Spanish currency from the Roman period through the introduction of the Euro, highlighting the significant shifts in design, production, and the political and economic factors driving these changes.
5. Using the provided sources, explain how numismatics can offer a unique perspective on the history of Spain, providing insights not easily gleaned from other historical sources.

Glossary of Key Terms

• Al-Andalus: The historical Muslim territories in the Iberian Peninsula.
• Almohads: A Berber Muslim dynasty that ruled North Africa and Al-Andalus in the 12th and 13th centuries. Their coinage was characterized by square shapes and specific religious inscriptions.
• Almoravids: A Berber Muslim dynasty that ruled North Africa and Al-Andalus in the 11th and 12th centuries. Their coinage included the use of specific Quranic verses and influenced Christian imitations.
• Basmala: The Islamic phrase "Bismi Allāh" ("In the name of God"), often found on Islamic coins.
• Billon: A debased alloy of precious metal (usually silver) with a large proportion of a base metal (like copper).
• Caliphate: The rule or reign of a caliph (a successor to the Prophet Muhammad). In the context of Al-Andalus, refers to the Umayyad Caliphate of Cordoba.
• Dirham: A silver coin used in various Islamic states, including Al-Andalus.
• Dinar: A gold coin used in various Islamic states, including Al-Andalus.
• Dobla: A Castilian gold coin inspired by Almohad dinars.
• Electrum: A naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver, sometimes used in coinage.
• Emirate: The territory or rule of an emir (a commander or prince). In the context of Al-Andalus, refers to the Umayyad Emirate of Cordoba.
• Epigraphy: The study and interpretation of inscriptions on objects, including coins.
• Euro: The official currency of the Eurozone, including Spain since 2002.
• Fāls: A copper coin used in various Islamic states, including Al-Andalus.
• Fineness: The purity of precious metal in a coin, usually expressed as a percentage or per mille.
• Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre – Real Casa de la Moneda (FNMT-RCM): The current official Spanish mint.
• Gāliba: The dynastic motto of the Naṣrid Kingdom, "Wa lā Gālib illā Allāh" ("And there is no victor but God").
• Ḥammūdid: A dynasty that claimed the caliphate in Al-Andalus during the Ṭā ۥifa period, known for incorporating Shi'a iconography on their coins.
• Hoard: A collection of coins intentionally buried or hidden.
• Iconography: The visual images and symbols used in a work of art or on an object, such as a coin.
• Indiction: A 15-year cycle used in the Byzantine chronological system, sometimes found on early Al-Andalus coins.
• Legends (Coin): The inscriptions or text found on a coin.
• Mancus: Imitations of Islamic gold coins ("mancuses") minted by Christian kingdoms in the Iberian Peninsula.
• Metrology: The scientific study of measurement, in numismatics referring to the weight, size, and standard of coins.
• Millares: Imitations of Almohad silver coins minted by Christian powers in the Iberian Peninsula.
• Mint: A facility where coins are produced.
• Morabetinos/Maravedis: Castilian gold coins inspired by Almoravid dinars, often retaining Arabic legends.
• Naṣrid: The dynasty that ruled the last Islamic kingdom in the Iberian Peninsula, the Kingdom of Granada.
• Numismatics: The study or collection of coins, banknotes, and medals.
• Obverse: The front or "heads" side of a coin.
• Real Casa de la Moneda: The historical name for the Royal Mint of Spain.
• Reverse: The back or "tails" side of a coin.
• Shahāda: The Islamic declaration of faith, often inscribed on Islamic coins.
• Spanish Escudo: A historical gold coin of Spain, used from the 16th to the 19th centuries.
• Spanish Peseta: The currency of Spain before the adoption of the Euro, used from 1868 to 2002.
• Spanish Real: A historical silver coin of Spain, used for several centuries.
• Subjugation: The act of bringing someone or something under domination or control.
• Ṭā ۥifa Kingdoms (mulūk at-ṭawā‘if): Independent Muslim principalities that emerged in Al-Andalus after the collapse of the Umayyad Caliphate of Cordoba.
• Triumph: A public procession to celebrate a victory, especially one by a Roman general.
• Umayyad: An Islamic dynasty that ruled a vast empire, including the early period of Al-Andalus and later established an independent caliphate in Cordoba.