Spanish Peseta - Coins

Coins

In 1869 and 1870, coins were introduced in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10 & 50 céntimos, 1, 2 and 5 pesetas. The lowest 4 denominations were struck in copper (replaced by bronze from 1877), with the 50 céntimos, 1 & 2 pesetas struck in .835 silver & the 5 pesetas struck in .900 silver. Gold 25 pesetas coins were introduced in 1876, followed by 20 pesetas in 1878. In 1889, 20 pesetas coins were introduced, with production of the 25 pesetas ceasing. In 1897, a single issue of gold 100 pesetas was made. Production of gold coins ceased in 1904, followed by that of silver coins in 1910. The last bronze coins were issued in 1912.

Coin production resumed in 1925 with the introduction of cupro-nickel 25 céntimos. In 1926, a final issue of silver 50 céntimos was made, followed by the introduction of a holed version of the 25 céntimos in 1927.

In 1934, the Second Spanish Republic issued coins for 25 and 50 céntimos and 1 peseta. The 25 céntimos and silver 1 peseta were the same size and composition as the earlier Royal issues, whilst the 50 céntimos was struck in copper. In 1937, an iron 5 céntimos coins was introduced along with a brass 1 peseta. The last Republican issue was a holed, copper 25 céntimos in 1938.

During the Civil War, a number of local coinages were issued by both Republican and Nationalist forces. In 1936, the following pieces were issued by the Nationalists:

The following issues were made by Republican forces in 1937:

The Nationalists issued their first national coins in 1937. These were holed, cupro-nickel 25 céntimos minted in Vienna. Following the end of the Civil War, the Nationalist government introduced aluminium 5 and 10 céntimos in 1940, followed by aluminium-bronze 1 peseta coins in 1944.

In 1947, the first 1 peseta coins bearing the portrait of Francisco Franco were issued. Nickel 5 pesetas followed in 1949. In 1949, holed cupro-nickel 50 céntimos were introduced, followed by aluminium-bronze 2½ pesetas in 1954, cupro-nickel 25 & 50 pesetas in 1958 & smaller aluminium 10 and 25 céntimos in 1959. Silver 100 pesetas were issued between 1966 & 1969, with aluminium 50 céntimos introduced in 1967.

Following the accession of King Juan Carlos, the only change to the coinage was the introduction of cupronickel 100 pesetas in 1976. However, more significant changes occurred in 1982. The 50 céntimos was discontinued, with aluminium 1 & 2 pesetas as well as aluminium-bronze 100 pesetas introduced. Cupronickel 10 pesetas were introduced in 1983. Cupronickel 200 pesetas were introduced in 1986, followed by aluminium-bronze 500 pesetas in 1987. In 1989, the size of the 1 peseta coin was significantly reduced (making it the smallest, lightest coin in Europe and perhaps the world) and aluminium-bronze 5 pesetas were introduced. Aluminium-bronze 25 pesetas & smaller 50 pesetas were introduced in 1990, along with larger 200 pesetas.

Until 19 June 2001, the following coins were minted by the Spanish Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre:

The 50 pesetas coins issued between 1990 and 2000 were the first that featured the Spanish flower shape.

The dates of some Spanish coins can be found on small 6-point stars on either the obverse or reverse. The larger date that appears outside the stars is the design date.