Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Triton XXV 11-12 Jan 2022
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THE PENINSULAR WAR, Spain. Mallorca. Necessity issue, 1808. AR 30 Sueldos (31x25mm, 25.91 g, 12h). Struck in the name of Fernando VII. Palma de Mallorca mint. Dated 1808. 30. S./ FER VII/ 1808 stamped in three lines / Coat-of-arms. ME 15788; De Mey & Poindessault 885; KM (C) L52.1; Davenport 315. Toned. VF.
From the Michael Cassick Collection of Siege and Emergency Coins, purchased from Civitas Galleries.
This coin, struck in the name of King Fernando VII of Spain, was produced during the opening of the Peninsular War (1808-1814). The conflict, one of many fronts in the Napoleonic Wars, pitted the French Empire against Spain, Portugal, and Great Britain in a struggle to maintain control of the Iberian peninsula. Beginning in 1807, agents of the French government became involved in Spanish politics. They exploited squabbles among the Spanish royal family, which helped to further weaken the already disorganized Spanish military and government. In addition, Spain and France were jointly occupying Portugal during this period. As a pretext to send French soldiers into Spanish territory, Napoleon decided to reinforce his garrisons in Portugal. The Spanish, who had a treaty with France, did not refuse this increase in troop levels. By February of 1808, Napoleon had enough soldiers in place to reveal his true intention -- the occupation of Spain. By the time the Spanish realized the subterfuge, the French were powerful enough to take many cities. With their lack of organization, the Spanish military could not mount a defense. Its troops were spread throughout the country, including on the Balearic Islands. Mallorca, an island in that group, produced a series of coins as the French were taking control of the country.
From the Michael Cassick Collection of Siege and Emergency Coins, purchased from Civitas Galleries.
This coin, struck in the name of King Fernando VII of Spain, was produced during the opening of the Peninsular War (1808-1814). The conflict, one of many fronts in the Napoleonic Wars, pitted the French Empire against Spain, Portugal, and Great Britain in a struggle to maintain control of the Iberian peninsula. Beginning in 1807, agents of the French government became involved in Spanish politics. They exploited squabbles among the Spanish royal family, which helped to further weaken the already disorganized Spanish military and government. In addition, Spain and France were jointly occupying Portugal during this period. As a pretext to send French soldiers into Spanish territory, Napoleon decided to reinforce his garrisons in Portugal. The Spanish, who had a treaty with France, did not refuse this increase in troop levels. By February of 1808, Napoleon had enough soldiers in place to reveal his true intention -- the occupation of Spain. By the time the Spanish realized the subterfuge, the French were powerful enough to take many cities. With their lack of organization, the Spanish military could not mount a defense. Its troops were spread throughout the country, including on the Balearic Islands. Mallorca, an island in that group, produced a series of coins as the French were taking control of the country.