Also 7 vellion. [Sp. vellon: see BILLON.] Copper, as used in Spanish coinage. Used esp. in the denomination of certain coins, as real (of) vellon: see REAL sb.2
1676. Lady Fanshawe, Mem. (1830), 202. We let our dispense for 72,000 reals vellon, a year.
1681. Rycaut, trans. Gracian’s Critick, To Rdr. We were dispatched thence with … something under the name of a Largess, to bear our Expences, paid in Vellion, or the Base Copper Money of Spain.
1728. Chambers, Cycl., s.v. Money, Spanish Money of Account, is the Peso, Ducat of Silver and Vellon, Rial of Vellon, and Cornados and Maravedis of Silver and Vellon.
1798. Malthus, Popul. (1817), II. 489. The price of the load of four fanegas of wheat was … 100 reals vellon.
1839. Penny Cycl., XV. 323/1. It passes in Spain for 20 reals vellon.
attrib. 1676. Lady Fanshawe, Mem. (1830), 196. October the 14th, the King proclaimed the lowering the vellon money to the hall.
