Watch List notes:

SPAIN. Catalan Revolt. 5 Reales, 1641. Barcelona Mint. Philip IV. PCGS Genuine--Environmental Damage, EF Details.
KM-19; Cal-67. Catalan Revolt issue. This piece is well-struck and presents abundant detail. The bold Catalan coat-of-arms on the obverse is flanked by the denomination marks, all encircled by a partially intact legend that reads "DG R HISPANIA". The name of Philip is mostly cut off but remains identifiable on the right. The reverse shows an attractive central cross and the legend "BARCI/NO CI/VITAS" followed by the complete date. Some rough black patina on the rim account for the grade, but the coin is otherwise nicely toned to a gunmetal gray color, enhanced by traces of luster. A lovely example of this RARE type.

Catalonia's reputation for its fiercely independent spirit can largely be traced to the revolt that began in 1640. When the court at Madrid increased wartime taxation and made moves to curb local autonomy, the Catalans, who had long resented their subjecthood under the Spanish Crown, broke out in violent revolt and began to mint their own coinage. While earlier issues such as the present example still retain the name of the Spanish King, the Catalans soon formed an alliance with the French government and accordingly replaced Philip's name with that of Louis XIII. Spain recaptured Barcelona in 1652 and the revolt slowly lost momentum thereafter, ending in 1659. While the Catalans failed to break free from Spanish control, the revolt had lasting consequences. Spain was forced to cede its northern territories to France, establishing the Pyrenees as the border between the two states up to the present day. The revolt is remembered in Catalonia, whose national anthem is a direct reference to those events. To view all items from the Pat Johnson Collection, click here.

From the Pat Johnson Collection.

Estimate: $400 - $600