Spanish 5 Pesetas Coin (Franco Era)
Coin/Bullion · Spanish Royal Mint (Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre - Real Casa de la Moneda), Madrid.
Pattern: Spanish Peseta (1939-1975 Issues)
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Spanish Royal Mint (Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre - Real Casa de la Moneda), Madrid.
Material
Copper-Nickel (Cupronickel); this specific denomination and era is not silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 23 mm; Thickness: 1.8 mm; Weight: 5.75 grams (standard for this issue).
Description
A circulated 5 Pesetas coin from Spain. This coin is colloquially known as a 'Duro.' While it has a metallic 'silver' appearance due to the nickel content, it is a base metal circulating coin rather than a precious metal piece.
Key Features
Denomination of 5 PTAS; Spanish Coat of Arms with eagle; six-pointed star mint mark; cupronickel color.
Material & Composition
Copper-Nickel (Cupronickel); this specific denomination and era is not silver.
Finish & Decoration
Die-struck business strike. Reverse features the coat of arms of Spain under Franco with the eagle of Saint John and the 'Plus Ultra' motto. Obverse (not visible but typical) features the profile of Francisco Franco.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Denomination '5 PTAS'. Mint mark is a small six-pointed star (indicative of Madrid), often containing the actual year of mintage in tiny numbers.
Construction Details
Machine-struck, die-pressed coinage with a reeded edge.
Functional Features
Currency for legal tender in Spain until the introduction of the Euro.
Handle & Grip Details
None; round numismatic form.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial minting; standard mass-produced quality typical of mid-century European government coinage.
Authentication Indicators
Design matches standard Spanish Royal Mint issues of the mid-20th century; however, it is not a silver item. It lacks silver purity hallmarks (like .925 or .800).
Origin & Manufacturing
Spain, Madrid Mint. Standardized industrial minting process.
Era & Period
Francoist Spain (1939–1975). This specific design style (the 'Duro') was prevalent in the mid-20th century.
Age Estimate
Circa 1949-1957. The style of the '5' and the coat of arms suggests the earlier issues of the Franco regime.
Cultural Significance
Represents the economic history of Spain during the dictatorship of Francisco Franco; a daily-use item for generations of Spaniards.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Heavy circulation wear, significant surface dirt/grime, and a reddish-brown patina likely from environmental exposure or oxidation of the copper component.
Value Estimate
$0.10 - $1.00 USD. This is a very common circulated base metal coin with no significant bullion value.
Care & Maintenance
As a non-silver, circulated coin, it requires little maintenance. To remove surface grime, mild soap and water may be used, but cleaning coins generally removes numismatic value.
Similar Pieces
1944 Silver 5 Pesetas (rare) or the 1966 Silver 100 Pesetas. The 1966 100 Pesetas is often confused with this by novices because it is actual .800 silver.
Interesting Facts
Despite being base metal, the 5 Peseta coin remained a cultural staple of Spanish life for decades, with the term 'Duro' still used in Spanish slang long after the coin was discontinued.