
The Franco Years and the Peseta
The 1957(65) 5-pesetas minted in Madrid has a mintage of 25,000,000. This copper-nickel coin weighs 5.75 grams and is 23mm in diameter. The central obverse device features a bust of Francisco Franco. The year of authorization is 1957 and the legend is translated, "FRANCISCO FRANCO LEADER OF SPAIN BY THE GRACE OF GOD." The obverse engravers are Manuel Marin and Mariano Benlliure. The central reverse device features St. Johns Eagle with a Spanish Coat of Arms. St. Johns Eagle is known by the halo around the eagle's head. The reverse legend on the ribbon held by the eagle's beak is translated, "One, Great and Free." The reverse legend on the ribbon crossing Hercules Pillars is translated, "Further beyond." On this piece the word "Plus" over the left pillar is unreadable. This defect appears mostly on coins struck before 1968. The denomination of the coin is 5 PTAS and the reverse engraver is Teodoro Miciano. The "65" stamped six-point star to the left denotes that the coin was manufactured in 1965 and struck in Madrid.