PHILIP IV

In the mid-17th century, the Spanish monarchy was in a critical state despite the signing of the Treaty of Wstphalia (1648), which brought a general peace to Europe. The war with France continued and efforts to regain control over rebellious territories—Portugal and Catalonia—persisted amid a severe economic crisis. The only notable success during this period was the surrender of the Catalans to John Joseph of Austria in October 1652. At the same time, the restoration of the Segovia Mint was completed in early 1651 with the aim of melting down and re-striking fraudulent perulera coins. Alonso de Orozco was appointed as the new engraver and Hipólito de Santo Domingo served as the assayer. The Sevillian merchant Juan Cruz de Gainza was the first to obtain a license, dated May 16, 1651, to mint cincuentines, centenes and onzas. From this period, there exists a unique piece now up for auction: a half onza with a module nearly that of a full onza but retaining the weight appropriate to its value. This coin (photographed in Calicó 2019 No. 1873, and erroneously listed as a full onza), showcases the exceptional quality of the workers and machinery at the Segovia Mint.