Golden doublon, from the period of Philip II 1556-1598

Description of the Product

Doublon was a well-known and widely used gold coin during the conquest of the New World, and a treasure coveted by all pirates. Spanish money was introduced to the new settlements and was valid as a currency in other areas too, not just the Spanish-dominated ones. Doublons had become the reserve currency of the whole new world, valid everywhere.

Doublon (or doubloon) comes from the Spanish word doblón meaning double. The value of one doublon was two escudos. From the early 16th century onward, the world’s most powerful empire, Spain, introduced gold coins named escudo and silver coins named real. One golden escudo was worth 16 silver reals, so a double escudo, or doublon, was worth 32 silver reals. The mighty empire and crown guaranteed the value of the money, and printed its own symbols on the coins, and soon the doublons, escudos, and reals spread around the world in the holds of wooden ships and in the money pouches of sailors.

Because Spanish doublons were widely appreciated and loot could be used anywhere in the world, doublons were a coveted target for pirates. Buried coffins full of gold doublons are not a Hollywood invention, but true history.

Doublons remained official Spanish currency until the mid-19th century and new ones were minted over the years. This coin is a replica of a doublon minted in the era of Philip II (1556 to 1598). Philip II was the first official king of a united Spain and ruled this most powerful country of his time, conquering and annexing vast territories under his crown. Philip II conquered e.g. Florida and the Philippines for Spain, and went to war against England in an attempt to conquer the uprising island nation.

Spanish gold doublons were also widely used in intra-European trade during the 16th century, and over time it formed the basis of several other gold coins that other European countries began to produce for their own use.

• This decorative coin is made entirely from cast metal, zamak
• Perfect for historical re-enactment, in film productions, for collectors of historical memorabilia, and as decoration
• Diameter: 2,5 cm
• Manufacturer: Denix, Spain