Ferdinand III Maravedi

Ferdinand III's maravedí was one of the first coins in Castile to use copper as its main alloy, a shift that reflected the kingdom's need for affordable currency amid ongoing wars.

Struck between 1230 and 1252, these coins typically featured a simple cross on one side and the monarch's initials on the other, all on roughly cut planchets that show the era's rudimentary minting techniques.

Exact mint locations remain uncertain; some were likely in Toledo, but that's based on later accounts.

After thirty years handling these, I've noted how often they're confused with tokens from other realms—proving even coins can have identity crises.