King Charles II "The Bewitched" Copper Cob - c. 1665 to 1700 - Spanish Empire
Minted during the reign of King Charles II (or Carlos II) of Spain, these Spanish copper coins embody a monarch whose life was as fascinating as it was tragic. Known as "The Bewitched," Charles II was the last Habsburg ruler of Spain, reigning from 1665 to 1700. His life was plagued by severe health issues and physical disabilities, largely due to the Habsburg dynasty's notorious practice of inbreeding—his parents, Philip IV of Spain and Mariana of Austria, were uncle and niece.The Habsburgs engaged in inbreeding as a strategy to keep property within the royal family. This practice, however, led to many family members, including Charles II, suffering from the infamous “Habsburg jaw.” This physical deformity was so severe in Charles that it interfered with his eating and caused frequent stomach issues.The extent to which inbreeding contributed to Charles's health problems is still a topic of debate. He endured a multitude of health issues throughout his life, including prolonged periods