However, the Monarchs are probably best-known for funding the voyages of Christopher Columbus. Columbus had attempted to secure funding for several years, and had been declined support by the rulers of Genoa, Venice, England, Portugal, and even by Ferdinand and Isabella in 1486. Desperate for a final try, Columbus pitched his proposal to the monarchs again in 1492 after the conquest of Grenada. Isabella declined again, but Ferdinand intervened after Columbus had left and a messenger was sent to bring him back to the court. Ferdinand would subsequently claim -- quite frequently, especially in his wife's presence -- that he was "the principal cause why those islands were discovered."

The obverse of the coins has a monogram of an "Y" for Isabella (the archaic spelling was "Ysabel"), and the legend "REX ET REGINA CASTILE." The reverse has an "F" monogram for Ferdinand, and the legend "FERDINANDVS ET HGL ISABELLA."

AGE: 1474-1504 A.D.

CONDITION: Various, as shown.