1982 Spain 100 Pesetas Coin, Juan Carlos I
Coin/Bullion · Real Casa de la Moneda (Royal Mint of Spain), Madrid. Established in 1591, it is the official state institution for Spanish currency.
Pattern: Juan Carlos I Portrait Series, 1982 Commemorative/Circulation issues
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Real Casa de la Moneda (Royal Mint of Spain), Madrid. Established in 1591, it is the official state institution for Spanish currency.
Material
Aluminum-Bronze (Not solid silver). Composition: 88.4% Copper, 5% Aluminum, 5% Zinc, 1.6% Manganese.
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.5 mm; Thickness: 2.9 mm; Weight: 9.35 grams.
Description
A 100 Pesetas coin from the early reign of Juan Carlos I. While this coin possesses a golden/silver-toned luster due to its aluminum-bronze alloy, it is frequently mistaken for silver plate or low-grade silver by non-collectors. The obverse depicts the King in formal profile, a hallmark of Spanish currency before the Euro adoption.
Key Features
Portrait by sculptor Manuel Martinez Tornero; 'M' topped with a crown mint mark (implied); specific 1982 date often associated with the FIFA World Cup hosted in Spain.
Material & Composition
Aluminum-Bronze (Not solid silver). Composition: 88.4% Copper, 5% Aluminum, 5% Zinc, 1.6% Manganese.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike finish with reeded edge/rim. Obverse features the profile portrait of King Juan Carlos I facing left. High-relief die striking with a circular legend.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The obverse bears the legend 'JUAN CARLOS I REY DE ESPAÑA' and the date '1982'. The reverse (not shown) would feature the Spanish coat of arms and the 'M' crowned mint mark of Madrid.
Construction Details
Machine-struck/Die-struck coinage. Mass-produced via industrial minting presses using hardened steel dies on pre-punched planchets.
Functional Features
Reeded edge to prevent clipping; legal tender status at time of issue; raised rim for stacking and protection of the design.
Handle & Grip Details
No handle; handheld numismatic object. The rim provides a grip for tactile identification.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard industrial strike. The portrait shows good anatomical detail in the hair and facial structure, demonstrating the high-quality die-engraving of the Royal Mint of Spain.
Authentication Indicators
Correct diameter and portrait style for 1982 issue; legend typography matches FNMT standards; distinctive 'faded gold' hue of aged aluminum-bronze.
Origin & Manufacturing
Spain (Madrid). Manufactured by the Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (FNMT) following traditional European minting standards.
Era & Period
Modern Spanish Constitutional Monarchy (post-1975); specifically the transitional period into the European Union.
Age Estimate
Dated 1982 (42 years old at time of analysis).
Cultural Significance
Represents the monetary sovereignty of Spain before the transition to the Euro in 2002. It serves as a symbol of the Spanish transition to democracy under Juan Carlos I.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible heavy surface scratching and 'tote wear' (scuffs from circulating in pockets). Patina shows signs of oxidation typical for copper-based alloys. Overall grade: Circulated/Fine.
Value Estimate
Nominal/Numismatic value: $0.25 - $2.00 USD. Value is mostly sentimental or as bulk coinage since it is no longer legal tender and contains no precious metal.
Care & Maintenance
Do not polish with silver cream. Clean with mild soap and water only if necessary. Store in a PVC-free coin flip to prevent further oxidation of the copper content.
Similar Pieces
1982 50 Pesetas (smaller), 1982 5 Pesetas (World Cup commemorative), and subsequent 2000-series silver commemorative pesetas (which are actual .925 silver).
Interesting Facts
The 100 Pesetas coin was known as a 'duro' in colloquial Spanish culture. This 1982 issue coincided with Spain's entrance into a new era of democracy and internationalism.