(1497–1504)-S Spain 1 Real – Seville Mint (Ferdinand V & Isabella I) | XF Details – Environmental Damage
Item Overview
An iconic piece of world history and foundational Spanish coinage! Struck under the celebrated "Catholic Monarchs" (Los Reyes Católicos), King Ferdinand V of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile, this silver 1 Real was produced at the Seville Mint (indicated by the S mintmark). Seville was the primary gateway port for Spanish expansion into the New World following Christopher Columbus's voyages in 1492.
Issued under the landmark Pragmática de Medina del Campo of 1497, which standardized Spanish coinage, this coin displays exceptionally sharp, Extremely Fine (XF) relief details on the royal shield, yoke, and bundle of arrows. Certified as XF Details – Environmental Damage, it combines remarkable architectural design clarity with typical surface toning/corrosion from historical soil or water exposure.
Specifications & Certification
| Attribute | Details |
| Monarchs | Ferdinand V & Isabella I (Los Reyes Católicos) |
| Date Range | Circa 1497–1504 (Post-Medina del Campo reform) |
| Denomination | 1 Real (Silver) |
| Mintmark | S (Seville Mint) |
| Metal | Silver (.931 Fine) |
| Catalog Reference | Calicó 620 series / KM# 28 |
| Grade / Condition | XF Details — Environmental Damage (Sharp, crisp high-grade detail on the crown, heraldic shield, and royal symbols; surfaces show environmental aging/patination) |
Design & Symbolism
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Obverse: Features the crowned shield containing the quartered arms of Castile, León, Aragon, and Sicily, surrounded by the Latin legend
FERNANDVS ET ELISABET D G(Ferdinand and Isabella, by the Grace of God). -
Reverse: Displays the personal badges of the Catholic Monarchs: the Yoke (Yugo, for Isabella) and the Bundle of Arrows (Flechas, for Ferdinand), bound together alongside the S mintmark for Seville.
Historical Significance
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The Age of Discovery Currency: Silver Reales of Ferdinand and Isabella were the primary currency during the European exploration of the Americas and served as the direct precursor to the famous Spanish "Piece of Eight."
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The Seville Gateway: As the crown's sole authorized port for trade with the New World, the Seville mint produced coins that directly funded transatlantic expeditions and early colonial development.
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XF Level Detail: Finding late 15th to early 16th-century hammered silver with crisp, high-relief XF detail on both the shield lines and arrow tips is very uncommon. Despite environmental toning, the visual sharpness makes it a standout cabinet piece for collector displays.
