Spanish 100 Pesetas Coin (Juan Carlos I era)
Coin/Bullion · Royal Mint of Spain (Real Casa de la Moneda), Madrid. Established in 1591, it is the official national mint of Spain.
Pattern: Spanish Peseta currency, 100 Pesetas denomination, minted between 1982 and 2001.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Royal Mint of Spain (Real Casa de la Moneda), Madrid. Established in 1591, it is the official national mint of Spain.
Material
Aluminum-Bronze (composition: 88% copper, 5% aluminum, 5% zinc, 2% tin). Note: This is not a silver item; it is a base metal alloy known for its golden appearance.
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.5 mm; Thickness: 2.9 mm; Weight: 9.35 grams. This is a small, thick coin commonly referred to as a '20 duros' piece.
Description
A standard circulating 100 Pesetas coin from Spain. This 'yellow' coin was a staple of Spanish daily life until the adoption of the Euro. It features the national coat of arms and is prized by collectors for its thick, chunky 'gobstopper' feel compared to other modern currency.
Key Features
Distinctive golden-bronze color, thick profile relative to diameter, and the 'M' mint mark with crown indicating Madrid origin.
Material & Composition
Aluminum-Bronze (composition: 88% copper, 5% aluminum, 5% zinc, 2% tin). Note: This is not a silver item; it is a base metal alloy known for its golden appearance.
Finish & Decoration
Die-struck with a satin-to-circulated finish. Features the Spanish coat of arms under a royal crown, flanked by the Pillars of Hercules. The reverse (not visible) typically features King Juan Carlos I.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The coin features the mint mark 'M' with a crown (Madrid Mint), the denomination 'CIEN SETAS', and the year of mintage (on the reverse). No silver hallmarks are present.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured via high-pressure die-striking on a prepared aluminum-bronze planchet. Plain edge with fleur-de-lis decorations (incuse).
Functional Features
Common circulating currency designed for durability and ease of identification by weight and thickness.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (coinage).
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial minting quality; high-relief details on the coat of arms show the efficiency of modern Spanish die-engraving techniques.
Authentication Indicators
Weight, diameter, and edge lettering are consistent with official Royal Mint specifications. The strike sharpness on the coat of arms is consistent with official dies.
Origin & Manufacturing
Madrid, Spain; manufactured by the Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (FNMT).
Era & Period
Modern Spanish period (Constitutional Monarchy); Design introduced in 1982 following the democratic transition.
Age Estimate
Circa 1982-2001. The specific date would be found on the opposite side of the coin shown in the image.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of the economic modernization of Spain after the Franco era; it remains a nostalgic item for Spaniards who remember the transition to the Euro in 2002.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition; showing surface scratches, minor edge nicks, and typical oxidation/patina associated with copper alloys. Grade: Very Good (Circulated).
Value Estimate
$0.50 - $2.00 USD. While historically significant, these were minted in the hundreds of millions and have mostly face value or modest collector value unless in flawless 'Uncirculated' condition.
Care & Maintenance
No cleaning is recommended for coins as it destroys numismatic value. Store in a cool, dry place in a PVC-free coin flip to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Spanish 25 Pesetas (with a hole in the center), Spanish 500 Pesetas (large silver-colored coin), or various European Aluminum-Bronze coins like the French 10 Francs.
Interesting Facts
The 100 Pesetas coin was affectionately called a 'duro' (actually 20 duros, as a duro was 5 pesetas). It was the most common coin used in Spanish slot machines and payphones throughout the 1990s.