Spanish 25 Pesetas Coin (Melilla Issue), 1997
Coin/Bullion · Real Casa de la Moneda (Royal Mint of Spain), Madrid. This mint has been the primary manufacturer of Spanish currency since the 18th century.
Pattern: Spanish Autonomous Cities Series - Melilla Commemorative Issue
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Real Casa de la Moneda (Royal Mint of Spain), Madrid. This mint has been the primary manufacturer of Spanish currency since the 18th century.
Material
Copper-Nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). This item contains no silver content; it is a base metal circulating coin.
Dimensions
Diameter: 19.5 mm; Thickness: 2.1 mm; Weight: 4.25 grams. This is a small-format coin compared to earlier peseta issues.
Description
A 25 Pesetas circulating coin from Spain featuring a central hole. This specific design commemorates the autonomous city of Melilla, located on the north coast of Africa. The obverse depicts the towers of the City Hall (Palacio de la Asamblea). It is a classic piece of Spanish numismatics from the transition era leading into the European Union's common currency.
Key Features
Central circular hole, commemorative 'Melilla' architecture, lack of silver content, and 'ESPAÑA 1997' legend.
Material & Composition
Copper-Nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). This item contains no silver content; it is a base metal circulating coin.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike with a matte/satin circulation finish. The obverse features the 'Espana 1997' inscription with the Palacio de la Asamblea of Melilla. It features a distinctive central hole (holed coinage).
Hallmarks & Stamps
The crowned 'M' mint mark for the Madrid Mint is visible on the reverse (not shown in this image). 'ESPAÑA 1997' is stamped on the obverse.
Construction Details
Industrial die-struck and machine-milled at the Royal Mint. The central hole is punched during the blanking or striking process.
Functional Features
Holed center for tactile identification and ease of stringing. Reeded/milled edge for security and to prevent clipping.
Handle & Grip Details
None; handheld numismatic object.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard mass-produced circulating currency. Die-work is precise but lacks the hand-chased detail found in silver hollowware or proof-set coins.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font for the 1997 series, specific 'holed' geometry standard for Spanish 25-peseta coins of this era, and industrial striking characteristics.
Origin & Manufacturing
Madrid, Spain. Manufactured using high-speed industrial coin presses.
Era & Period
Modern Spain (Kingdom of Spain under Juan Carlos I), late 20th Century pre-Euro transition.
Age Estimate
Dated 1997. This was among the final iterations of the Peseta before the Euro adoption in 2002.
Cultural Significance
Represents the historical and political presence of Spain in the North African Enclaves (Melilla and Ceuta) and serves as a relic of the pre-Euro Spanish economy.
Condition Notes
Very Fine (VF) to Extremely Fine (EF). Visible surface scratches, minor tarnish/patina consistent with circulation, and light wear on the high points of the architectural towers.
Value Estimate
$0.50 - $2.00 USD. It holds more sentimental and historical value than monetary value, as it is no longer legal tender and contains no precious metal.
Care & Maintenance
For base metal coins, avoid acidic cleaners. Store in PVC-free flips or capsules to prevent environmental oxidation. Handling with clean hands is sufficient for circulated base metal coins.
Similar Pieces
1997 Ceuta 25 Pesetas (features different architecture), earlier King Juan Carlos I 25 Pesetas (without commemorative buildings), and various silver 100-peseta commemorative coins.
Interesting Facts
The 25 Pesetas coin was colloquially known in Spain as a 'cinco duros' (five duros), referring to the old unit of 5 Pesetas (one duro). Spain was one of the few European countries to maintain holed coinage into the late 1990s.