Denier - James I

According to the article published in ACTA NUMISMÀTICA, issue 20, entitled 'El tresor de La Reina Mora: monedes de Jaume I' by Pere P. Ripollès and Maria del Mar Llorens, which classifies the findings of the Benifairó de la Valldigna hoard following Miquel Crusafont’s systematization.

This text is a direct numismatic study of physical pieces, which allows for a detailed description of the emissions and their visual features:

Chronology and Classification of the Emissions

The study identifies three main groups or emissions for the dineros of Valencia under James I, based on the evolution of the royal bust's style:

1. First Emission (1247)

• Date: Corresponds to the establishment of the mint following the conquest.
• Visual differentiation: Defined by an archaic style. The King's bust is coarse and rigid. The facial features are schematic (eyes rendered as dots or large orbs) and the crown is very simple. There are two varieties: one with the bust facing right and another facing left.
• Legend: Generally IACOBVS REX.

2. Second Emission (c. 1261)

• Date: Linked to the Courts (Corts) of 1261 and the privilege of the monedaje (mintage tax).
• Visual differentiation: It presents a classical style. This is the most balanced and abundant emission. The bust is more naturalistic, with a more detailed treatment of the hair (defined curls) and a crown with clearer florets. On the reverse, the floral sprays (or ornaments) emerge from the bottom part.
• Technical variants: The article points out that within this group, Crusafont identifies variants based on the ornaments in the legend (such as the use of dots or annulets to separate words or within the angles of the cross).

3. Third Emission (End of reign / Transition)

• Date: Final years of the reign of James I (around 1270–1276).
• Visual differentiation: Characterized by a Gothic or transitional style. The bust becomes more elongated and stylized (narrower). The features are finer and more elegant, foreshadowing the style that would be consolidated under Peter the Great (Pere el Gran).
• Epigraphy: The letters tend to be smaller, and the overall design of the coin is more compact and refined than in previous emissions.

Common identification elements (according to the hoard catalogue) 

Regardless of the emission, the article describes the fixed elements that allow these coins to be identified and distinguished from others (such as those of Barcelona):

• Obverse: Crowned busts facing forward (in Barcelona, they are depicted in profile).
• Reverse: The characteristic "Creu de peu" (cross on a long stem or foot) that divides the legend VAL-ENC-IA.
• Metrology: The average weight observed in the pieces from "La Reina Mora" hoard for these dineros ranges between 0.80 g and 1.10 g, with a diameter of approximately 18 mm.

This study is fundamental because it physically confirms Crusafont's thesis: the evolution of the Valencian diner was not a degradation of its fineness (which remained stable by pact), but rather an artistic evolution of the engraving of the royal bust throughout the nearly 30 years separating the first and the last emissions.