Castile (1186) morabitino Fr-101
This specimen was lot 41011 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2026), where it sold for $4,800. The catalog description[1] noted, "SPAIN. Morabetino, SE 1224 (1186). Toledo Mint. Alfonso VIII. NGC MS-62. Obverse: Inscription reading "The head of the Church of the Messiah is the Roman Pope"; in margin: "In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, God is One. Whomsoever believeth in Him and is baptized shall be saved"; Reverse: Alfonso ben Sancho, emir of the Catholics; Mint and Date in legend surrounding. Nicely preserved and attractive, this lovely example displays a warm golden coloration with hints or richer patination amongst the devices. When tilted in the light the strong luster speaks through lending to its pleasing appearance. Wholesome and original looking, this charming piece is sure to be a welcome addition to the next collection it enters." These, the sole gold coin of the reign, are listed in Cayón for Safar era 1212 thru 1252. Few European states west of the Byzantine Empire were striking gold coins in the twelfth century.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: gold, this specimen 3.86 g.
Catalog reference: Fr-101; V-2024, Cayón-1019.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, January 2026 NYINC Showcase Auction, Ancient and World Coins, featuring the Kazmier Wysocki Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2025.
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- Cayón, Adolfo, Clemente Cayón and Juan Cayón, Las Monedas Españolas, del Tremis al Euro: del 411 a Nuestros Dias, 2 volumes, Madrid: Cayón-Jano S.L., 2005.
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