Description: Spanish Real Cob, Felipe IV (1621-1665). Obverse: Spanish coat of arms. Varying symbols, inscriptions, and mint marks. Reverse: Jerusalem Cross with Lions of Lion and Castles of Castile in quadrants.
History: Felipe IV ascended the Spanish throne in 1621, ruling during one of the most turbulent periods in Spanish history. His reign was marked by the ongoing Thirty Years’ War (16-18-1648), the decline of Spanish power in Europe, and the loss of Portugal in 1640.
Despite political and military struggles, Felipe IV was a great patron of the arts, supporting renowned artists such as Diego Velázquez. He was well-versed in Latin, geography, and multiple languages, including French, Portuguese, and Italian. He also had a strong interest in astrology. Felipe IV married Elizabeth of France, daughter of Henry IV of France, and later married Maria Anna, daughter of the Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand III.
His rule saw the continued circulation of Spanish Reales throughout the empire. Symbols on the obverse included a castle, the lion of León, and the Pillar of Hercules. Inscriptions surrounding the cross typically were the King’s name and title, such as “PHILIPPVS IIII DEI GRATIA,” which translates to “Philip IV, by the Grace of God”.
