Curtisimo Posted May 12, 2023 · Supporter Share Posted May 12, 2023 (edited) Last year I had the good fortune to be able to visit Andalusia with my wife. One of our favorite places we saw on our trip was Granada, specifically the Alhambra. The following coin purchases were inspired by the fascinating history of this ancient city. Pre-Roman and Roman Granada: Iliberri When the Romans conquered the area in the 1st and 2nd centuries BC there was already an Iberian settlement known as Ihverir which the Romans transliterated as Iliberri. The Romans established a settlement where the current Albaicin neighborhood is (adjacent to the Alhambra hill). There is not much physical evidence left of the Roman presence in the city except for some scattered artifacts and a wonderful mosaic from a Roman villa that is now housed in the Archeological Museum. The Albaicin Neighborhood where the Roman era settlement was located. View from the Alhambra. Roman mosaic in the Archeological Museum. During this period coins were struck at Iliberri showing a male head on the obverse and a shinx on the reverse. ANCIENT SPAINCelt-Iberians, IliberriAE As, Grenada mint, struck ca. 150-120 BCDia.: 31 mmWt.: 16.26 gr Obv.: Male head to right. Rev.: Sphinx to right, below legend ILDuRIRCeSTIN The Alhombra, the Nasrids and the Last Islamic Kingdom in Spain The Visigoths conquered the city after the fall of the western Roman Empire. Almost nothing is left of their presence in the city. In 711 the Umayyad conquest of Hispania managed to capture almost the entire Iberian Peninsula from the Visigoths. In 743 an army of reinforcements from Syria arrived and was given Ihverir (Iliberri) as their spoils. The Muslims transliterated the name of the area to Elvira. This name is still seen in multiple place names around the modern city. During the Nasrid period the city came to be known as Garnata which is where the modern city name of Granada comes from. Granada means pomegranate in Spanish and the pomegranate was used as a symbol of the city, including as the mint mark on my below coin. After the fall of the Caliphate of Cordoba after 1009, Elvira (Granada) became a quasi-independent Taifa. The Taifa’s were similar in a lot of ways to the petty feudal states that developed in Medieval Christian Europe. In the 1200’s the Christian kingdoms of Castile and Aragon began the first wave of the Reconquista. They captured Cordoba in 1236 and Seville in 1248. Refugees flooded into Granada and swelled the population. In 1238, Muhammad Ibn Yusuf Ibn Nasr founded the Nasrid dynasty and established the Emirate of Granada. This dynasty would rule until 1492 and would be responsible for one of the most amazing architectural achievements in the world: the Alhambra. At the time there were some neglected fortifications on the site that were built on the foundations of the earlier Roman era buildings, but it was the Nasrids that turned the site into what it is today. View of the Alhambra... This one isn't my photo (courtesy of Wikipedia) Paradise gardens: There are so many beautiful and expansive gardens that it is easy to forget you are in a fortified palace in the center of a large city. The Hall of the Ambassadors: This was the throne room of the Emir of Granada. It is where he received ambassadors. Not only that, after the defeat and exile of the Emir in 1492 it was in this very room that Isabella and Ferdinand heard the petition of Christopher Columbus to gain funding for his famous voyage. It was also here that the monarchs signed his contract on April 17, 1492. Nasrid throne: This was the actual throne of the Nasrid Emirs from 1380. I think it is fascinating how close it is in design to the Roman curule chair. Court of the Lion: It is uncommon to see representations of living things in Islamic art. The fountain in the center is a fascinating exception. There are 12 lions, one for every hour of the day. The fountain was built to serve as a clock with the water coming out of a different lion’s mouth for every hour. The 10 Emirs: Speaking of representations that are uncommon, this painting on the roof of the Palace of the Lion is thought to show the first 10 Emirs of Granada. Interestingly, some of them are shown to have had red hair. The mint of Granada under the Emirs struck some really handsome and interesting coins. The calligraphy on the coins serves as a direct link to the architecture of the Alhambra. The Nasrid motto “Wa la Ghalib ila Ala” (There is no conqueror but Allah) was written in beautifully styled calligraphy all over the Alhambra. The same motto can be read on the reverse of my newest coin. Nasrid motto on the walls of the Alhambra EMIRATE OF GRANADA. Nasrids, Anonymous AR 1/2 Dirham, struck at Granada mintDia.: 17 mmWt.: 0.87 gRef.: Vives 2193; R. Lawrence 60 Nasrid gold coins shown in comparison to contemporary Christian issues Isabella and Ferdinand In January of 1492 the last Emir of Granada surrendered to Isabella and Ferdinand of Castile and Leon and went into exile. The monarchs lived in the palace of the Alhambra for several months as I already indicated in my comments about Columbus. The unification of the Spanish kingdoms was still a very tenuous affair and very dependent on the charisma of the two monarchs. Something of this “unified but separate” mentality can be seen on the coin. The obverse shows the badge of Isabella and Castile (a castle) while the reverse shows the badge of Ferdinand and Leon (a lion). A pomegranate can be seen on the reverse indicating the mint of Granada, probably struck in the Alhambra palace. Catholic Kings Isabella I and Ferdinand II (AD 1474-1504) AE 2 Maravedis, Granada Mint Dia.: 22 mm Wt.: 4.34 gr Thank you for reading and please post your: Iberian or Celt-Iberian coins Coins from Al-Andalus Ancient or medieval Spanish coins Coins of the Catholic Monarchs Isabella I and Ferdinand II Edited May 13, 2023 by Curtisimo 15 2 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kali Posted May 12, 2023 · Member Share Posted May 12, 2023 Spain, Castulo Mid 2nd century B.C. Æ Heavy Unit O: Diademed male head right. R Sphinx right, left forepaw raised; star to right. 36.36g 34mm ACIP 2126; SNG BM Spain 1298 Ferdinand & Isabella (1469 - 1504) SPAIN Castile & Leon (Castilla y Leon) AR 2 Reales FERDANDVS : ET : HELISABET : D : Crowned shield of arms breaking inner beaded circle. + : REX : ET REGINA : CAST : LEGIO : ARAGON Bow and arrows within beaded inner circle Granada Mint. 29mm 6.80g. Cayon 2622 15 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryro Posted May 13, 2023 · Supporter Share Posted May 13, 2023 (edited) Great spread and write up! Felt like I went on an adventure through history! Heres some Celt Iberian coins of mine: (Don't ask what the last one is. Just pretty sure it's from Celt Iberian Spain) Edited May 13, 2023 by Ryro 13 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hrefn Posted May 13, 2023 · Supporter Share Posted May 13, 2023 The doblas of al-Andalus are some of the most beautiful examples of calligraphy on coins, in my opinion. Muwahhid dobla of Muhammad al-Nasir, reigned 1199-1213 AD. The fourth caliph of the Almohads or Muwahhids, a dynasty Berber in origin which ruled Spain and Morocco. Castile, Navarre, and Aragon defeated the Muwahhids at the battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212 AD giving the Christians control over most of Andalusia. No date, no mint. Hazard 506 and superb uncirculated per William Warden’s notes. Purchased by private treaty in 1997. A similar example sold in Triton XX lot#1144 16 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cordoba Posted May 13, 2023 · Member Share Posted May 13, 2023 Great write-up! I have quite a few dirhams from the emirate and caliphate of cordoba. Abd al-Rahman III was the one who began claiming the title of caliph AH 348. Abd al-Rahman III. Medina Azzahra. Dirham. (V. 443) (Fro. 7). 2.59 g 11 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curtisimo Posted May 13, 2023 · Supporter Author Share Posted May 13, 2023 4 hours ago, Kali said: Spain, Castulo Mid 2nd century B.C. Æ Heavy Unit O: Diademed male head right. R Sphinx right, left forepaw raised; star to right. 36.36g 34mm ACIP 2126; SNG BM Spain 1298 Ferdinand & Isabella (1469 - 1504) SPAIN Castile & Leon (Castilla y Leon) AR 2 Reales FERDANDVS : ET : HELISABET : D : Crowned shield of arms breaking inner beaded circle. + : REX : ET REGINA : CAST : LEGIO : ARAGON Bow and arrows within beaded inner circle Granada Mint. 29mm 6.80g. Cayon 2622 Great coins @Kali. I especially like the 2 reals. 3 hours ago, Ryro said: Great spread and write up! Felt like I went on an adventure through history! Heres some Celt Iberian coins of mine: (Don't ask what the last one is. Just pretty sure it's from Celt Iberian Spain) Wonderful assortment of coins as always my friend. 3 hours ago, Hrefn said: The doblas of al-Andalus are some of the most beautiful examples of calligraphy on coins, in my opinion. Muwahhid dobla of Muhammad al-Nasir, reigned 1199-1213 AD. The fourth caliph of the Almohads or Muwahhids, a dynasty Berber in origin which ruled Spain and Morocco. Castile, Navarre, and Aragon defeated the Muwahhids at the battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212 AD giving the Christians control over most of Andalusia. No date, no mint. Hazard 506 and superb uncirculated per William Warden’s notes. Purchased by private treaty in 1997. A similar example sold in Triton XX lot#1144 I completely agree with you. These are beautiful coins! Thank you for sharing. 2 hours ago, Cordoba said: Great write-up! I have quite a few dirhams from the emirate and caliphate of cordoba. Abd al-Rahman III was the one who began claiming the title of caliph AH 348. Abd al-Rahman III. Medina Azzahra. Dirham. (V. 443) (Fro. 7). 2.59 g Excellent coin. One of these minted at Medina Azzahra is high on my want list. I was happy to be able to visit the site last year as well. 7 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kapphnwn Posted May 14, 2023 · Supporter Share Posted May 14, 2023 Castulo Ae 30 circa 150 BC Obv Diademed male head right Rv sphinx advancing right SNG BM 129 15.14 grms 30 mm Photo by W,Hansen This creature looks to be closer to the Greek sphinx not the Egyptian one. 10 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor kirispupis Posted May 14, 2023 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted May 14, 2023 I unfortunately don't have any coins from Spain, but I'm happy to share some photos of the Alhambra. 🙂 8 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
expat Posted May 14, 2023 · Supporter Share Posted May 14, 2023 Great post, coins and images. Andalucia has such a varied history since the first tribes. The Alhambra is the most visited attraction in Spain with an average of 11 million visitors per year. In Roman times the City of Cordoba was one of three major Roman provinces then called Hispania Baetica. Nearby is Seville, then known as Italica, birthplace of Augustus, Trajan and others. I live around 2 hours from Granada. Each year we visit a different area of Andalucia for the historical attractions. Columns of Claudio Marcelo Temple. Cordoba Bacchic Mosaic of the Gift of Wine. Municipal Historical Museum of Écija. Seville. House of Columns. Antiquarium, Seville. 13 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bcuda Posted December 16, 2023 · Member Share Posted December 16, 2023 Loved the write up @CurtisimoI lived in Andalucia for 5 years total and loved every minute of it. Been to the Alhambra , and all kinds of Roman ruins in Andalucia. Also have lots of Arabic, Iberian, and Roman coins from these areas. Lots of great memories for me ! 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curtisimo Posted December 16, 2023 · Supporter Author Share Posted December 16, 2023 (edited) 19 hours ago, bcuda said: Loved the write up @CurtisimoI lived in Andalucia for 5 years total and loved every minute of it. Been to the Alhambra , and all kinds of Roman ruins in Andalucia. Also have lots of Arabic, Iberian, and Roman coins from these areas. Lots of great memories for me ! Thanks @bcuda! It absolutely loved Spain in general and Andalusia in particular. I could definitely see myself happily living in Spain for 5 years! Thank you for your comments. Thank you to all of you that commented and contributed to this thread as well that I didn’t have a chance to respond to previously. @expat, I am jealous of your being so close to so many beautiful and fascinating places. @kirispupis those are stunning photos! @kapphnwn, that is a stunning coin (as are all of your amazing collection). Edited December 16, 2023 by Curtisimo 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panzerman Posted December 16, 2023 · Member Share Posted December 16, 2023 Lovely trip/ beautifull photos/ great writeup! Thankfully/ the Christian Spanish Crown did not destroy the magnificent architecture from the Islamic rulers/ so we have them today to marvel at. I have some coin examples.....the ERvigus AV Tremissis is earliest depiction of Christ on a coin. Regnum Gothorum/ Hispania/ Baetica AV Tremissis ND Cordoba Mint Ervigus 680-87 same AV Tremissis ND Leovigildus 570-90 same AV Tremissis ND Sisebut 621-31 Valencia AV Ducato ND (1504) Valencia Mint Fernando II 1494-1516 Almodades AV Dobla ND/ NM Muhammad ben Yaqub 1184-99 Almoravides/ Kings of Cordoba AV Dinar AH542 (1148AD) Cordoba Mint Banu Tashudin 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curtisimo Posted December 16, 2023 · Supporter Author Share Posted December 16, 2023 1 hour ago, panzerman said: Lovely trip/ beautifull photos/ great writeup! Thankfully/ the Christian Spanish Crown did not destroy the magnificent architecture from the Islamic rulers/ so we have them today to marvel at. I have some coin examples.....the ERvigus AV Tremissis is earliest depiction of Christ on a coin. Regnum Gothorum/ Hispania/ Baetica AV Tremissis ND Cordoba Mint Ervigus 680-87 same AV Tremissis ND Leovigildus 570-90 same AV Tremissis ND Sisebut 621-31 Valencia AV Ducato ND (1504) Valencia Mint Fernando II 1494-1516 Almodades AV Dobla ND/ NM Muhammad ben Yaqub 1184-99 Almoravides/ Kings of Cordoba AV Dinar AH542 (1148AD) Cordoba Mint Banu Tashudin Your collection of gold beauties is on a whole different level, John. I appreciate you sharing with us! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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