Milan

Charles II of Spain, Duke of Milan 1665-1700

Crippa 11, PCGS-graded EF-45

Obverse depicts a bareheaded, draped, and armored bust right. On the reverse is crowned coat-of-arms within ornate frame. A typical coin of the era, struck off center and lacking some detail.

Charles, (Carlos) II of Spain was an unmitigated disaster for the nation and himself. A sickly child born of genetic inbreeding, he has been described as, “short, lame, epileptic, senile, and completely bald before age 35”. His parents were uncle and niece to each other. Charles was unable to rule effectively, and Spain, the recipient of incredible wealth from the New World, fell farther into the abyss.