KINGS of SPAIN, Castile. Alfonso VIII. 1158-1214. AV Dobla (Mancus) (26mm, 3.86 gm). Toledo mint. Dated Safar era 1224 (1186 AD). Pseudo-Kufic legend with cross above and ALF below, marginal legend "Struck at Toledo in 1224, Safar era" / Five line legend with star below. C&C 999; Friedberg 101. EF, light coppery toning.
The gold coins struck by the early Spanish kings were intended to replace the Almoravid dinars found in wide circulation in the region. The extensive issues of Alfonso VIII of Castile were known as Moribitini or Alfonsini or , elsewhere termed the mancus. Alfonso still reigned over a large Muslim population, and the types were acceptable to the merchant classes that dealt with both Muslimand Christians. Although the legends are in Arabic, the sentiments expressed are Christian, and the dates are given not in Christian AD years, but in the local Safar era, beginning in 38 BC.
