Early Franco-Spanish Pattern

The early Franco-Spanish pattern goes back to the sixteenth century and had connections with France as well as Spain. Many French manufacturers who produced cards in this design had emigrated and settled in Spain to avoid taxes.

Distinguishing features include the cavalier of coins seen from behind, the king of coins holding a small axe, the ace of swords accompanied by a naked child, the ‘sota’ of cups might display a heraldic lion and the ace of coins features a Spanish heraldic arms. The central coin of the five often shows portraits of the Catholic Monarchs or else a single portrait. The pattern is now extinct.

• See also: Aluette • Spanish National pattern►