King Felipe Unshaven: New Commemorative Coins from Spain
by Sebastian Wieschowski, translated by Maike Meßmann
Ten years after taking office, the portrait of King Felipe will be updated. The obverses of Spain’s new commemorative coins of 2024 will show the portrait of His Majesty – however, with beard. This change is likely to prompt discussions as to when Spanish circulation coins with the new design will be introduced. Felipe is depicted on €1- and €2-euro coins.
Ten years after taking office, King Felipe treats himself to a facelift on Spanish commemorative coins. Photo: FNMT
A commemorative coin honouring Margarita Salas was issued for International Women’s Day on 8 March 2024. As biochemist and researcher, she is considered a pioneer of molecular biology in Spain. She is an icon in the scientific world and regarded as a pioneer in all professional aspects of her life. Her image is intended to promote women in science as well as inspire a new generation of girls, who can identify with her. Next to a DNA chain and the symbol of femininity, the reverse shows a depiction of the scientist Margarita Salas Falgueras, surrounded by the legends “8-M INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY” and “Margarita Salas”.
The scientist Margarita Salas Falgueras continues the series of famous Spanish women. Spain will also take part in the commemorative coin programme for the UEFA European Football Championship. Photo: FNMT
In 2024, a gold bullion coin worth 1/10 ounce with the same motif as in 2023 – the Carthusian horse – will be issued, providing collectors with a more affordable version of the piece. The obverse shows the image of the “Columnario del Real de a Ocho” the best known historical Spanish coin. Distinguishing it from other collector coins, the price of this gold bullion coin is set on the basis of the gold price at the time of purchase plus 22%.
This year, there will be a small investor coin from Spain, too. Photo: FNMT
UEFA has invited the Real Casa de la Moneda to take part in the official collector coin programme for the UEFA European Football Championship, which will take place from 14 June to 14 July 2024. Germany, who won the contest three times, will host the UEFA EURO 2024 and this will be the first time for the country to organise the UEFA Championship since its reunification. The reverse of the coin depicts the image of a football player, kicking a ball. The logo of the championship is at the top of the coin, and around the central area, a representative detail of the roof and the stand of a football stadium are presented in colour.
All 2024 commemorative coins, including the special issue in honour of the Spanish police, will show the new image of King Felipe. Photo: FNMT
In celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Spanish National Police, another collector coin will be issued. The reverse depicts the coloured logo for the 200th anniversary of the National Police, and below we can read the legends “SERVICIO”, “DIGNIDAD”, “ENTREGA”, and “LEALTAD”.
