Denomination: 8 Reale
Date: 1598-1621 CE
Description: Obverse: Greek Cross with lions of Leon and the castles of Castile in quadrants. Reverse: Hapsburg shield coat of arms of Philip III
History: Filipe III inherited the Spanish throne in 1598 from his father King Filipe II. Pious and respectful, Filipe III was carefully educated to be wary of the corruption of the court intrigue after his elder brother, Don Carlos, died from insanity. His father believed that Carlos was driven mad by the influence of the warring factions at the Spanish court. Generally well liked by his contemporaries the young Filipe III 'dynamic, good-natured and earnest,' suitably pious, having a 'lively body and a peaceful disposition.' After his father's death he married his cousin, Margaret of Austria, sister to the future Ferdinand II of the Holy Roman Empire. They had an 'affectionate, close relationship', and she had a great deal of influence over King Filipe III. Another highly influential character in Filipe's life was his dear friend, Duke of Lerma. The Duke was highly corrupt and Filipe's reliance on his advice warred with the opinions of Queen Margaret. His reign was during the height in power of Spain, and he was also the king of Portugal, Naples, Sicily and Sardinia and Duke of Milan. To match his power and display the wealth he commanded, his coins were neatly minted and well rounded. This specific coin is called a Cob Coin, and the design was used by the New World mints of Potosi, La Plata, Lima, Bogota, and Cartagena. Cob Coins were costly due to the number of dies used and the time taken to make near perfect dies. This caused a lack of quantity even though the quality was good.
