2021-05-29 Sat

Henry II was the first King of Castile and Leon and founder of the house of Trastamara, which lasted until 1504. He became king in 1369 by defeating his half-brother, Peter the Cruel, after numerous rebellions and battles. As king, he was involved in the Fernandina Wars and the Hundred Years' War. By the end of his reign, he bore the titles of the King of Castile, Toledo, Leon, Galicia, Sevilla, Córdoba, Murcia, Jaen, the Algarve, and Lord of Molina.

The illegitimate son of Alfonso XI of Castile, Henry rebelled against his younger half-brother, Peter I (Peter the Cruel), invaded Castile with French aid in 1366 and was crowned king at Burgos. Peter sought English aid, and Henry was routed by Edward the Black Prince at Najera (April 3, 1367). He obtained more French aid and captured Peter, whom he murdered on March 23, 1369.

The above-shown coin was minted during his reign. It depicts crowned head facing left on obverse face while the reverse of a coin represents Castle.

Wikipedia.org