What is maravedies?

Maravedies were a type of currency that was used in Spain during the Middle Ages. The name "maravedi" comes from the Arabic word "marwad," which means "to pass," and the currency was commonly used in trade with the Muslim world. At first, maravedies were minted from pure silver, but over time the amount of silver in each coin was reduced, and they were made from other materials, such as copper or brass.

Maravedies had different denominations, with the most common being the maravedi, the ochavo, and the real. They were widely circulated throughout Spain and were used for transactions ranging from small purchases to large commercial deals.

The value of maravedies fluctuated over time, depending on factors such as the availability of silver, political instability, and economic conditions. In the late Middle Ages, maravedies were often used to pay soldiers and mercenaries, and they played a significant role in financing the Reconquista, the campaign to reconquer Spain from the Moors.

Today, maravedies are no longer used as a currency, but they have become a popular item among collectors of medieval coins.