Dinero - Carlos III pretender

Historical Context: This Dinero from Valencia, dated 1705-1714, unequivocally situates itself within the tumultuous War of the Spanish Succession. It represents the precarious sovereignty asserted by Archduke Charles of Austria, proclaimed Carlos III by his supporters. The Kingdom of Valencia, a pivotal territory within the Crown of Aragon, remained a staunch Habsburg bastion against the Bourbon claimant, Philip V. The issuance of these low-denomination copper coins underscores the urgent necessity for circulating currency to sustain local economies and validate the pretender's authority in territories under his control, reflecting the intense political and military fragmentation of Spain during this protracted conflict.

Artistry: Specific engraver attribution for such diminutive, wartime copper issues from Valencia is largely impractical, as documentation is scarce. The Dinero's design adheres to the prevailing Spanish numismatic aesthetic of the early 18th century, characterized by simplified Baroque elements adapted for small-module coinage. Emphasis was placed on the legibility of the royal titulature (e.g., CAROLUS III) and the identification of the issuing authority, rather than elaborate artistic detail. Stylistically, these pieces reflect a functional rather than ornamental approach, typical of emergency or provisional coinages of the period, executed by local mint personnel under considerable duress.

Technical/Grading: Given its minute specifications—copper, 0.3 grams, and small module—this Dinero presents significant grading challenges. High-points for evaluation include the clarity of the central device (often a monogram or simplified shield) and the legibility of the surrounding legends, particularly "CAROLUS III." Due to the soft copper and inherently weak strike common to such small, thin flans, examples exhibiting a full, well-centered strike with minimal planchet imperfections, corrosion, or wear are exceedingly rare. Collectors should prioritize distinctness of the date and mintmark (typically 'V' for Valencia).