Cagliarese: coin from the Kingdom of Sardinia (Italy)

Illustrated Specimen Details: Cagliarese

Example Specimen: 1 cagliarese, 1668 — Kingdom of Sardinia

This copper coin was issued during the reign of Charles II (Carlo II), the last Habsburg monarch of Spain. The obverse displays a youthful portrait of the king, who was only 7 years old at the time of minting. The legend reads CAROLVS II D G R (Charles II, by the Grace of God, King).

The reverse features the traditional floriated cross of the Kingdom of Sardinia, with four blindfolded Moorish heads in the quadrants — the iconic "Quattro Mori" symbol. The inscription ARM ET SAE A refers to his titles as King of Aragon and Sardinia. This design reflects the long period of Aragonese and Spanish influence over the island, which lasted from 1326 until the early 18th century.

1. ITALY (Kingdom of Sardinia & Piedmont-Sardinia; 15th-19th centuries): cagliarese = 2 denaro

Historical Overview of the Cagliarese

Etymology: The name cagliarese (plural: cagliaresi) is derived directly from Cagliari, the capital city of Sardinia. It indicates the coin's origins as a local civic issue of the city's mint.

The cagliarese was a staple small-change denomination on the island of Sardinia for nearly four centuries. First appearing in the late medieval period (15th century), it initially circulated as a small billon coin (low-grade silver). However, as inflation and monetary reforms progressed, it evolved into a larger, pure copper denomination, often weighing over 4 grams by the 17th century.

The "Quattro Mori" Symbolism

A defining feature of the cagliarese is the presence of the Four Moors (Quattro Mori) in the quadrants of the cross. According to legend, this heraldic symbol represents four Moorish princes defeated in battle by the Crown of Aragon. Over centuries, the depiction of the Moors changed — sometimes they were shown blindfolded, sometimes with headbands. On the cagliarese of Charles II, they serve as a powerful reminder of Sardinia’s status as a kingdom under the Spanish-Aragonese crown.

Dynastic Transitions and the Savoy Era

The history of the cagliarese is a mirror of Sardinia's complex political fate. After the War of the Spanish Succession, the island was briefly held by Austria (1708-1720) before being transferred to the House of Savoy. Under the Savoyards, Sardinia was united with Piedmont, forming the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia.

While the minting of cagliaresi continued under the Savoy rulers, the production often moved from the island to the mainland mint in Turin. The denomination remained in use until the mid-19th century, eventually being phased out as the Italian states moved toward the decimal Lira system following the Unification of Italy (*Risorgimento*).

Numismatic Significance

For collectors, the cagliarese represents a unique regional Mediterranean currency. Unlike the standardized imperial coins of Spain, the cagliarese maintained its local character and nomenclature. Surviving specimens from the 17th century, like the 1668 issue of Charles II, are often found with irregular flans and varying degrees of wear, reflecting their heavy use in the daily markets of Cagliari and beyond.