Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain
Ferdinand II, King of Aragon, born 1452 A.D., died 1516 A.D.
Isabella I, Queen of Castille, born 1451 A.D., died 1504 A.D.
Silver 1 Real, 26 mm, 3.3 grams
Obverse: Quartered arms of Castille and Leon and of Aragon and Sicily.
Reverse: Yoke (Ferdinand's symbol) and bundle of arrows (Isabella's
symbol).
Toledo mint.
Copper 4 Maravedis, 28 mm, 8.5 grams
Obverse: Lion Rampant
Reverse: Castle
Burgos mint
Isabella was the daughter of John II, King of Castille and Leon.
Ferdinand was the son of John II, King of Aragon. Heirs to their
respective kingdoms, they were married in 1469. They jointly ruled a
united Spain from 1479 until 1504. Their union laid the foundation of the
eventual unification of Spain. During their joint reign, the reconquest
of Spain from the Moors was completed. They initiated the Inquisition and
expelled the Jews from Spain. They also supported Christopher
Columbus, whose discoveries in the New World led to the establishment of a
Spanish empire in America.