Ferdinand VI Coin Ring

Ferdinand VI, 23 Sep 1713 – 10 Aug 1759, became King of Spain in 1746 AD by succeeding his father, Philip v. Ferdinand’s tenure as king lasted until his death in 1759. However, his reign was a time of reform, prosperity, and peace. In 1729, ferdinand married Maria Barbara de Braganca, daughter of King Kohn Vof Portugal.

They had no children. Ferdinand was a good ruler but was timid and melancholy. Ably assisted by his prime minister, the Marques de Ensenada, he improved the tax and customs administrations, strengthened the armed forces, and developed the nation’s economy. He pursued a foreign policy of neutrality between France and Britain.

By the Concordat of 1753, he reduced the influence of the Roman Catholic Church in the secular life of Spain. He founded (1752) the Academy of Fine Arts and encouraged culture and science through generous subsidies. Ferdinand was succeeded by his half-brother, Charles III.