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4 Maravedis - Philip III /Philip IV Countermark, oval palm leaf
| Issuer | Kingdom of Spain |
|---|---|
| Year | 1578-1625 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Shape | Round (irregular) |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Obverse lettering | + KAROLVS ET IhOANA REGES Fo Y IIIIo (Translation: Charles and Johanna kings.) |
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| Reverse script | Latin |
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| Additional information |
The oval palm-leaf countermark was applied by royal decree to recirculate existing copper coinage during Spain's chronic shortage of small change in the early seventeenth century. Rather than strike new coins, the Crown authorized the restamping of older pieces — including maravedis originally minted under Philip II — effectively doubling their face value at minimal production cost. It was fiscal improvisation, not policy confidence.
The date range spans two reigns precisely because the host coins predate the countermarking campaign itself.