Description: Spanish Real Cob, Felipe III (1598-1621). Obverse: Spanish coat of arms. Varying symbols, inscriptions, and mint marks. Reverse: Jerusalem Cross with flared or barred ends, surrounding legends and symbols.
History: Felipe III inherited the Spanish throne in 1598 from his father, Felipe II. Though pious and well-liked by his contemporaries, he was heavily influenced by his corrupt favorite, the Duke of Lerma. His reliance on court advisors led to political stagnation, though Spain remained a dominant global power.
His reign saw Spain’s temporary peace with England and the Dutch through the Treaty of London (1604) and the Twelve Year’ Truce (1609). However, internal economic troubles and lavish court spending weakened the empire. Felipe III also ruled Portugal, Naples, Sicily, Sardinia, and the Duchy of Milan.
Coins minted under his rule followed the traditional cob design. These coins were used throughout the Spanish Empire and played a key role in global trade. The symbols on the obverse included the castle of Castile, the lion of León, and the Pillars of Hercules. A typical inscription on the reverse would have been “PHILIPPVS III DEI GRATIA,” translating from Latin into “Philip III, by the Grace of God.”
