| Slot: |
10 PESETAS 1878 (*18-*78) |
| Origin/Country: |
SPAIN 1848 TO DATE |
| Design Description: |
GOLD 10 PESETAS |
| Item Description: |
10P 1878(78) EMM KM677 |
| Grade: |
NGC MS 62 |
| Research: |
View Coin |
Owner Comments
According to Cayón's definitive two-volume catalogue, "Monedas Españolas del Tremis al Euro" (vol. 2, p. 1335), a full set of original 10 Peseta gold coins consists of three examples:
No. 17520: 1878(78) EMM
No. 17521: 1878(78) EMM sobre DEM
No. 17522: 1879(79) EMM
This is the First Slot, 1878(78) EMM.
In the Reverse image, compare the strike of the assayers' initials (EM) with the strike in the Reverse image in the Next Slot (EM over DE).
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| Slot: |
10 PESETAS 1878 (*18-*78) |
| Origin/Country: |
SPAIN 1848 TO DATE |
| Design Description: |
GOLD 10 PESETAS |
| Item Description: |
10P 1878(78) EMM over DEM KM677 |
| Grade: |
NGC MS 64 |
| Research: |
View Coin |
Owner Comments
Mintage: 90,617.
Portrait of Alfonso XII at age 18. Engraved by Gregorio Sellán.
EMM = Escosura, Morejón, Mendoza (over DEM = Diaz, Escosura, Mendoza; see below).
10 Peseta coins were minted contemporaneously with 25 Peseta coins during the reign of Alfonso XII, but the smaller denomination was completely overshadowed by the larger one. Altogether, only 123,864 coins of 10 Pesetas were minted (over 2 years) versus 37,337,622 coins of 25 Pesetas (over 11 years), a coinage ratio of 1-to-301 and a face value ratio of 1-to-753.
Today, original 10 Peseta coins of either date are hard to find.
In addition, this example is a rare variant, "EMM sobre DEM" ("EMM over DEM") as catalogued in Cayón (#17521). Mid-year 1878, Morejón replaced Diaz as one of two mint assayers. Minting did not begin until after this occurred and generally the coins were struck with new EMM reverse dies. But at least one of the DEM reverse dies was modified to EMM. Interestingly, many unused, unaltered DEM dies were kept in storage and finally used in 1961 and 1962 for the official restrikes of the 10 Peseta coin.
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| Slot: |
10 PESETAS 1879 (*18-*79) |
| Origin/Country: |
SPAIN 1848 TO DATE |
| Design Description: |
GOLD 10 PESETAS |
| Item Description: |
10P 1879(79) EMM KM677 |
| Grade: |
NGC AU 53 |
| Research: |
View Coin |
Owner Comments
Mintage: 33,247.
NGC Census + PCGS Pop.: 4 total; 2 at AU-53, none higher.
Portrait of Alfonso XII at age 18. Engraved by Gregorio Sellán.
EMM = Escosura, Morejón, Mendoza.
Rare. Very hard to find in any condition. None have graded higher than AU-53.
The images above are from Heritage Auctions, who describe this example as follows: "An attractive coin for the designation with scant friction evidence over the high points and substantial subdued luster. The handling marks are commensurate with the assigned grade and the strike appears rather strong. A very scarce or rare type, most elusive and desirable in this quality."
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