1997 Spain 25 Pesetas Holed Coin (Melilla Issues)
Coin/Bullion · Real Casa de la Moneda (Royal Mint of Spain), Madrid. Founded in 1591, it is the official state mint of Spain, renowned for producing high-quality national and commemorative coinage.
Pattern: Spanish Peseta Regional Series (Melilla). Introduced in 1997, part of the final decade of the 'Peseta' before Euro adoption in 2002.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Real Casa de la Moneda (Royal Mint of Spain), Madrid. Founded in 1591, it is the official state mint of Spain, renowned for producing high-quality national and commemorative coinage.
Material
Copper-Nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). This item contains no actual silver; its silver-toned appearance is derived from the nickel content. It is a common base-metal circulation coin.
Dimensions
Diameter: 19.5 mm; Thickness: 2.1 mm; Weight: 4.25 grams; Central hole diameter: approximately 4.5 mm.
Description
A 25 Pesetas circulation coin from Spain, specifically the 1997 issue commemorating the city of Melilla. It features a distinctive central hole and a silvery nickel-colored luster. The obverse depicts the towers of the Assembly Palace in Melilla, an autonomous Spanish city in North Africa. This piece represents the final evolution of Spanish currency before the continental shift to the Euro.
Key Features
Central circular hole, crowned 'M' mint mark, 'ESPAÑA 1997' inscription, and architectural depiction of the Melilla Assembly Palace.
Material & Composition
Copper-Nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). This item contains no actual silver; its silver-toned appearance is derived from the nickel content. It is a common base-metal circulation coin.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike with a matte/satin circulation finish. Features a central round hole (holed coin). The obverse displays 'ESPAÑA 1997' and the Palacio de la Asamblea in Melilla. The reverse (not visible but standard for piece) features a coat of arms.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The 'M' crowned mint mark (Real Casa de la Moneda) is visible on the obverse to the left of the palace. No silver purity marks are present as it is not precious metal.
Construction Details
Industrial die-struck coin. Planchets were punched with a central hole prior to striking between obverse and reverse dies at high pressure.
Functional Features
Holed design to assist in tactile identification for the visually impaired and to differentiate smaller denominations from larger ones; legal tender status at time of issue.
Handle & Grip Details
None (standard round coin edge).
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-manufactured with high precision; the relief on the palace towers shows excellent architectural detail for a circulation-grade coin.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font for late 90s Spanish issues, distinct 'M' crown logo, standard diameter and characteristic holed center consistent with 25 Peseta specifications from 1990-1997.
Origin & Manufacturing
Madrid, Spain. Manufactured using high-speed mechanized hydraulic presses at the Spanish Royal Mint.
Era & Period
Modern Spanish Kingdom (Juan Carlos I era). Circulated shortly before the transition to the Euro currency.
Age Estimate
Dated 1997. It is exactly 27 years old from the date of coinage.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Regional Series' designed to foster national unity by celebrating different Spanish provinces and cities on the coinage during the late 20th-century democratic era.
Condition Notes
Very Fine (VF) to Extremely Fine (EF). Surface shows minor light scratches and contact marks consistent with brief circulation. Tarnish is actually nickel oxidation (dullness seen in crevices).
Value Estimate
Nominal collector value: $0.50 - $2.00 USD. Value is based on numismatic interest rather than metal content, as it contains no precious silver.
Care & Maintenance
As it is non-silver copper-nickel, silver dips should be avoided. Clean with warm soapy water if necessary. Store in a PVC-free coin flip to prevent 'green slime' (plasticizer damage).
Similar Pieces
1990-1996 25 Pesetas (different cities featured), 1997 silver-plate commemorative medals (often mistaken for coins), and 1997 5 Pesetas (smaller, no hole).
Interesting Facts
Spain is one of the few modern European countries that continued the tradition of holed coins into the late 20th century. The 25 peseta coin was often referred to as 'cinco duros'.