Two Peninsular War Issues

Sale: CNG 75, Lot: 1336. Estimate $400.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 23 May 2007.  Sold For $1000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

SPAIN, Reino de España. Fernando VII. First reign, 1808. AR 30 Sous (26.24 g, 12h). Mallorca mint. Dated 1808. 30. S. / FER. VII / 1808. in three lines across field / Diamond-shaped Mallorca coat of arms. ME 15788; Mailliet 1. VF, lightly toned.

This octagonal silver coin, struck in the name of King Fernando VII of Spain, was produced during the opening of the Peninsular War (1808-1814). This 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.