Spanish 100 Pesetas Coin, Juan Carlos I, 1982
Coin/Bullion (Circulated Currency) · Royal Mint of Spain (Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre - Real Casa de la Moneda), established in 1893 in Madrid.
Pattern: Standard Circulation Series, Juan Carlos I era (1975–2001).
Type
Coin/Bullion (Circulated Currency)
Maker
Royal Mint of Spain (Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre - Real Casa de la Moneda), established in 1893 in Madrid.
Material
Aluminium-bronze (typically 88% Copper, 5% Aluminium, 5% Nickel, 2% Manganese). Note: This is not a silver item; its golden hue is characteristic of bronze-alloy coinage.
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.5 mm; Thickness: 2.9 mm; Weight: 9.3 grams. This was the standard size for the 'large' 100 peseta coin of the early 80s.
Description
A robust 100 Pesetas coin depicting King Juan Carlos I. These coins were known as 'duros' or large coins in Spanish culture before the introduction of the Euro. It represents the modernization of Spanish currency during the early democracy period.
Key Features
Portrait by Manuel Martínez Tornero; distinctive yellowish-gold color from nickel-bronze; 1982 date coincides with Spain hosting the FIFA World Cup.
Material & Composition
Aluminium-bronze (typically 88% Copper, 5% Aluminium, 5% Nickel, 2% Manganese). Note: This is not a silver item; its golden hue is characteristic of bronze-alloy coinage.
Finish & Decoration
Die-struck, matte relief with a raised rim. Features the left-facing profile of King Juan Carlos I and circumferential lettering 'JUAN CARLOS I REY DE ESPAÑA'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The coin features the date '1982' and the 'M' with a crown (Mint mark for Madrid) on the reverse side (not fully visible but implied by the series).
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured via high-pressure die striking. The planchet (blank) was cut from a sheet of aluminium-bronze alloy and struck with steel dies.
Functional Features
Milled edge for security and tactile recognition; high-relief rim to protect the internal design from abrasive wear during circulation.
Handle & Grip Details
Reeded/Milled edge (vertical grooves) designed to prevent 'clipping' of the metal and to provide a better grip for use in vending machines.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial mass-production quality. The strike is deep enough to maintain legibility of the legend despite decades of physical friction.
Authentication Indicators
Alignment of the lettering, standard die-striking characteristics, and authentic metal wear patterns. Weight-to-size ratio is consistent with Spanish Mint standards.
Origin & Manufacturing
Spain, Madrid. Produced at the national FNMT-RCM facility using industrial minting standards.
Era & Period
Modern Spanish Era; Parliamentary Monarchy transition (Post-Francoist Spain).
Age Estimate
Issued in 1982. This specific coin has approximately 42 years of age.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of the reign of Juan Carlos I and the economic transition of Spain into the European Union. These coins were the workhorse of Spanish daily trade for two decades.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Shows significant 'bag marks,' heavy scratching, and surface abrasions consistent with long-term circulation in pockets and commerce. No major verdigris.
Value Estimate
Low market value ($0.50 - $2.00 USD). It is valued more as a historical souvenir or for bulk coin lots rather than for metallic or numismatic rarity.
Care & Maintenance
For circulated base-metal coins, cleaning is generally discouraged to preserve what remains of the original luster. Store in a PVC-free coin flip or a dry environment.
Similar Pieces
1982 FIFA World Cup commemorative 100 Pesetas (which has a different reverse design); silver 2000 Pesetas coins (which are actual .925 silver).
Interesting Facts
Despite its golden appearance, it contains no precious metal. It was colloquially replaced in 1992 by a smaller version, making this larger 1982-type distinctive to those who remember pre-Euro Spain.