1999 Spanish 5 Pesetas Coin, Murcia Region (La Nora Waterwheel)
Coin/Bullion · Real Casa de la Moneda (FNMT - Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre), the Royal Spanish Mint.
Pattern: Spanish Autonomous Communities Commemorative Series (Murcia)
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Real Casa de la Moneda (FNMT - Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre), the Royal Spanish Mint.
Material
Bronze-Aluminum (composed of 92% Copper, 6% Aluminum, 2% Nickel). Note: This is a base metal coin and contains no silver content.
Dimensions
Diameter: 17.5 mm; Thickness: 1.35 mm; Weight: 3.0 grams.
Description
A small circulating commemorative coin issued to celebrate the Murcia region of Spain. The reverse depicts an ancient waterwheel, representing the sophisticated irrigation systems of the Mediterranean coast. While it possesses a metallic gold/silver-sheen appearance due to the aluminum-bronze alloy, it is a piece of historical numismatics rather than precious metal hollowware or silver bullion.
Key Features
Crowned M mint mark, La Nora waterwheel motif, and regional identification 'MURCIA'.
Material & Composition
Bronze-Aluminum (composed of 92% Copper, 6% Aluminum, 2% Nickel). Note: This is a base metal coin and contains no silver content.
Finish & Decoration
Standard circulation strike with a matte/satin luster. Features the 'La Nora' waterwheel (Noria) on the reverse, signifying Murcia's agricultural heritage. The obverse typically features King Juan Carlos I.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The 'M' with a crown above it is the mint mark for Madrid (Real Casa de la Moneda). Includes denomination '5 PTAS' and regional name 'MURCIA'.
Construction Details
Machine-struck, die-pressed planchet with a plain (smooth) edge.
Functional Features
Standard legal tender for circulation in Spain until the euro was adopted in 2002.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Numismatic item)
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced industrial coinage with high-precision die engraving for the architectural waterwheel details.
Authentication Indicators
Clear, crisp striking of the mint mark and official typography; standard weight and diameter consistent with official FNMT specifications.
Origin & Manufacturing
Madrid, Spain; produced by the national workshop FNMT.
Era & Period
Kingdom of Spain under Juan Carlos I, Modern Era, late 20th century.
Age Estimate
Dated 1999.
Cultural Significance
Represents the transition period of Spanish currency and honors regional engineering history in the Segura River basin.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition with visible surface wear, light scratches (bag marks), and typical oxidation for copper-based alloys. Grade: Very Fine (VF).
Value Estimate
$0.50 to $2.00 USD. Value is largely sentimental or as a low-cost collectible; it has no melt value for silver.
Care & Maintenance
Keep dry to avoid 'verdigris' (green corrosion). Do not polish or clean with silver dips as it will ruin numismatic value; store in a PVC-free coin holder.
Similar Pieces
Other 5 Pesetas coins from the 1990s featuring regions like Asturias, La Rioja, or Castilla-La Mancha.
Interesting Facts
This was part of a popular series that changed designs annually to represent different Spanish provinces/communities before the peseta was permanently retired.