This is a silver real (royal) from the Kingdom of Castile and Leon in Spain. This coin was used during the reign of Pedro of Castile (note the "P" on the front and the coat of arms on the back), who lived and died within Chaucer's lifetime.

Some other types of currency used in Chaucer's time were gold florins and the gold coins introduced by Edward III.



Built in 1364 by Pedro of Castile, Alcazar (in present day Seville, Spain) is the oldest royal residence in Europe that is still in use. It was beautifully built in the Moorish style.