Ancient Heartbeat
Symbolic Relationship between Coin and Cast: The Blanca de Rombo symbolized stability, order, and Christianity during a time of political instability and civil war. The Sacred Heart cast, reinterpreting the Christian symbols of the coin, becomes an object of faith, protection, and personal devotion. The coin’s geometric precision and symbolism interact with the sparkle of crystals and the gold finish of the cast, creating a bridge between history and spirituality, and between social order and the power of inner devotion.
The Medal
Sacred Heart of Jesus Artistic Cast
This creation pairs the Blanca de Rombo of Enrique IV (1471–1474, Segovia) with an artistic cast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, created by the artist. The cast was made using ceramic powder, hand-modeled to incorporate vintage crystals, painted with acrylic, finished with gold leaf, and protected with a glossy varnish. It features a double suede leather border, metal studs, black crystals, and a faux-leather backing.
The Coin
Medieval Coin 1471–1474
Spain, Enrique IV of Castile 1454–1474: Blanca de Rombo-Segovia
The Blanca de Rombo, minted in Segovia under Enrique IV of Castile, known as “el Impotente,” is a vellón coin (copper-silver alloy) issued following the Ordenamiento de Segovia on April 10, 1471, to stabilize the economy during a reign marked by political instability and civil wars. Enrique IV ruled during a period of noble weakness, and in 1465 the nobility deposed him in favor of his sister, Isabella the Catholic. The Ordenamiento introduced the “Blanca de Rombo” as the only small coin post-reform, aimed at combating inflation and counterfeiting. Obverse: "+ ENRICVS DEI GRACIA" with a crowned castle inside a double rhombus and outer circle. The geometric rhombus defines the unique series of 1471–1474, a symbol of monetary uniformity. The castle and lion on the reverse evoke Castile and León, with the inscription “XPS VINCIT XPS” (“Christ conquers Christ”), emphasizing Christian triumph over inflation and chaos. Minted in multiple locations (Segovia, Toledo, etc.), it marked the transition toward the coinage of the Catholic Monarchs.
The Materials
