Pere IV of Aragon introduced the florin to his kingdom in 1346, modeling it closely on the Florentine original — a deliberate move to facilitate trade with Italian merchants who dominated Mediterranean commerce. His version, struck at Zaragoza, ran at a slightly reduced fineness from the Florentine standard, a compromise between economic reality and the need for a credible international currency.
The half denomination was issued during the later years of Pere's reign, a period marked by ongoing conflict with Castile and the strain of suppressing noble revolts in Valencia and Sardinia. Mint output was irregular as a result.
Pere IV of Aragon introduced the florin to his kingdom in 1346, modeling it closely on the Florentine original — a deliberate move to facilitate trade with Italian merchants who dominated Mediterranean commerce. His version, struck at Zaragoza, ran at a slightly reduced fineness from the Florentine standard, a compromise between economic reality and the need for a credible international currency.
The half denomination was issued during the later years of Pere's reign, a period marked by ongoing conflict with Castile and the strain of suppressing noble revolts in Valencia and Sardinia. Mint output was irregular as a result.