Second Republic 100 Pesetas

The Second Republic's 100 Pesetas coin was the first Spanish circulating piece to feature a female allegory of the Republic, a stark shift from the kings and queens that had dominated the nation's currency for centuries.

Struck in silver at the Madrid mint from 1931 to 1936, it used a 0.835 fineness alloy, recycled from earlier stocks to conserve resources during uncertain times. Designs varied slightly by year, with the 1931 issue showing a more idealized figure, while later ones grew simpler amid growing political tensions.

Exact mintage figures are spotty; official records for 1934 and after were likely destroyed in the Civil War's upheaval. I've examined hundreds over the years, and while they're not the rarest, their historical weight makes them a staple in collections. Spotting counterfeits is a chore—amateurs often miss the edge lettering.