1997 Spanish 25 Pesetas Cupro-Nickel Coin (Melilla Anniversary Edition)
Coin (Numismatic/Circulation) · Non-gold alloy; Cupro-Nickel silver-tone base metal.
Purity: 0% (Not Gold). This item is composed of Cupro-Nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). It contains no gold content.
Type
Coin (Numismatic/Circulation)
Purity
0% (Not Gold). This item is composed of Cupro-Nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). It contains no gold content.
Gold Type
Non-gold alloy; Cupro-Nickel silver-tone base metal.
Weight
4.25 grams (Standard mint specification)
Description
A distinctive Spanish 25 Pesetas coin issued in 1997 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Spanish occupation of Melilla (1497-1997). The obverse features a traditional Phoenician/Roman amphora vessel next to the central hole, symbolizing the city's ancient trade history. This coin belongs to the final years of the Peseta before the adoption of the Euro in 2002.
Key Features
Central hole (holed coin design), 500th-anniversary commemorative text, and the specific Melilla amphora motif.
Color & Finish
Silver-gray metallic luster; satin circulation finish with typical handling patina and minor surface oxidation.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Crowned 'M' mint mark (Royal Mint of Spain / Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre); '25 PTAS' denomination; 'MELILLA' and '1497-1997' inscriptions.
Dimensions Estimate
19.5 mm diameter; 1.5 mm thickness; central hole diameter approximately 4.5 mm.
Gemstones & Inlays
None; features a central 'donut' hole, a common design element for Spanish 25 Pesetas of this era.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; reeded/plain edge coin striking.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; circular planchet with central perforation.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck via high-speed coin presses; features crisp high-relief lettering and a well-centered hole.
Authentication Indicators
Correct alignment of the 'M' mint mark, specific font styles for the '25 PTAS' denomination, and standard cupro-nickel color. Weight and diameter match FNMT specifications.
Origin & Maker
Spain; Produced by the Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (FNMT) in Madrid.
Era & Period
Contemporary / Post-Francoist Spain (Pre-Euro Transition).
Age Estimate
Dated 1997 (27 years old).
Cultural Significance
Commemorates Spanish presence in North Africa and transition-era Spanish numismatic design before the Euro standardized European currency.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Extremely Fine (XF) circulation grade. Shows minor surface bag marks and soft scratches, but no major dents or corrosion.
Value Estimate
Nominal numismatic value. Generally retails for $1.00 - $3.00 USD. Melt value is negligible (base metal). No gold value exists.
Care & Maintenance
Keep dry to prevent 'PVC green' or oxidation; do not clean or polish as it destroys numismatic value. Store in a non-PVC coin flip.
Similar Items
Other holed 25 Pesetas from the 1990-1997 series featuring different autonomous communities like Castilla-La Mancha or Navarra.
Interesting Facts
Spain is one of the few Western European countries that frequently used holed coins in its late-20th-century currency. Melilla, depicted here, is an autonomous Spanish city located on the north coast of Africa.