Spanish peseta

The peseta (/pəˈstə/, Spanish: [peˈseta])[lower-alpha 1] was the currency of Spain between 1868 and 2002. Along with the French franc, it was also a de facto currency used in Andorra (which had no national currency with legal tender).[1]

Spanish peseta
Peseta española  (Spanish)
100 pesetas200 pesetas Madrid European Capital of Culture 1992
ISO 4217
1100céntimo (cent)
(because of inflation, céntimos were retired from circulation in 1983)
SymbolPta (plural Ptas), or ₧ (rare, see article)
Nicknameperra chica (0.05 Pta),
perra gorda (0.10 Pta),
pela (1 Pta),
duro (5 Pta),
talego (1,000 Pta),
kilo (1,000,000 Pta)
Freq. used1,000, 2,000, 5,000 Ptas
Rarely used1, 5, 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 10,000 Ptas
Freq. used5, 25, 50, 100, 500 Ptas
Rarely used1, 10, 200, 500, 2000 Ptas
User(s) Andorra
Central bankBank of Spain
PrinterFábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre
MintFábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre
SourceCámara Guipúzcoa, 1998
Since19 June 1989
Fixed rate since31 December 1998
Replaced by €, non cash1 January 1999
Replaced by €, cash1 January 2002
=166.386 Pta


The name of the currency comes from pesseta, a Catalan diminutive form of the Catalan word peça (meaning piece or fraction) or the Spanish peso (weight, used a synonym for coin).[2] The word peseta has been known as early as 1737 to colloquially refer to the coin worth 2 reales provincial or 15 of a peso.[3] Coins denominated in "pesetas" were briefly issued in 1808 in Barcelona under French occupation; see Catalan peseta.


Traditionally, there was never a single symbol or special character for the Spanish peseta. Common abbreviations were "Pt", "Pta", "Pts" and "Ptas", sometimes using superior letters: "Ptas".

Common earlier Spanish models of mechanical typewriters had the expression "Pts" on a single type head, as a shorthand intended to fill a single type space (Pts) in tables instead of three (P+t+s).

Later, Spanish models of IBM electric typewriters also included the same type in its repertoire.

When the first IBM PC was designed in 1980, it included a "peseta symbol" "Pts" in the ROM of the Monochrome Display Adapter (MDA) and Color Graphics Adapter (CGA) video output cards' hardware, with the code number 158. This original character set chart later became the MS-DOS code page 437. Some spreadsheet software for PC under MS-DOS, as Lotus 1-2-3, employed this character as the peseta symbol in their Spanish editions. Subsequent international MS-DOS code pages, like code page 850 and others, deprecated this character in favour of some other national characters.

In order to guarantee the interchange with previous encodings such as code page 437, the international standard Unicode includes this character as U+20A7 PESETA SIGN in its Currency Symbols block. Other than that, the use of the "peseta symbol" standalone is extremely rare, and has been outdated since the adoption of the euro in Spain.

In the version 1.0 of Unicode the character ₧ U+20A7 PESETA SIGN had two reference glyphs: a "Pts" ligature glyph as in IBM code page 437 and an erroneous P with stroke. In Unicode 2.0 the reference glyph P with stroke was erroneously displayed as the only symbol for peseta[4] and was latter corrected to the Pts ligature and a separate character code was added for the peso sign.


The peseta was subdivided into 100 céntimos or, informally, 4 reales. The last coin of any value under one peseta was a 50-céntimo coin issued in 1980 to celebrate Spain's hosting of the 1982 FIFA World Cup.[5] The last 25-céntimo coin (or real) was dated 1959, the ten céntimos also dated 1959; both coins bore the portrait of Franco. The 1-céntimo coin was last minted in 1913 and featured King Alfonso XIII.[6] The 12-céntimo coin was last minted in 1868 and featured Queen Isabel II.[7]


The peseta, previously a colloquial name for the coin worth 15 of a peso, was formally introduced as a currency unit in 1868, at a time when Spain considered joining the Latin Monetary Union (LMU). It replaced the old Spanish peso currency.[8] Spain eventually decided not to formally join the LMU, although it did achieve alignment with the bloc.[9] The Spanish Law of June 26, 1864 decreed that in preparation for joining the Latin Monetary Union (set up in 1865), the peseta became a subdivision of the peso with 1 peso duro = 5 pesetas. The peseta replaced all previous currencies denominated in silver escudos and reales de vellon at a rate of 5 pesetas = 1 peso duro = 2 silver escudos = 20 reales de vellón.

The peseta was equal to 4.5 grams of silver, or 0.290322 grams of gold, the standard used by all the currencies of the Latin Monetary Union. From 1873, only the gold standard applied.

The political turbulence of the early twentieth century (especially during the years after the World War I) caused the monetary union to break up, although it was not until 1927 that it officially ended.[10]

In 1959, Spain became part of the Bretton Woods System, pegging the peseta at a value of 60 pesetas = 1 U.S. dollar. In 1967, the peseta followed the devaluation of the pound sterling, maintaining the exchange rate of 168 pesetas = 1 GBP and establishing a new rate of 70 pesetas = 1 USD.

The peseta was replaced by the euro in 2002,[11] following the establishment of the euro in 1999. The exchange rate was 1 euro = 166.386 pesetas.[12]


From 1868 to 1982, a unique dating system for Spanish coins was employed. This would be adopted and sometimes abandoned intermittently during various times, and continued through to be used through the first years of Juan Carlos I's reign. Although a common "authorization date" will be found on virtually all coins of this period on the obverse (front) of each coin, the actual date for many coins can be found inside a small six pointed star, typically on the reverse (back) of each coin, but sometimes the front. Therefore, the obverse date does not always reflect the actual date of mintage but rather a restriking of older obverse coin die designs. So, if the coin date shows 1959 up front but a tiny "64" is depicted in the six pointed star on the back, then the actual date of issue is in fact 1964 rather than the date depicted in front. This dating system would be abandoned in the early 1980s anticipating a one-by-one redesign of each coin denomination.

Decimal coinage of the monarchy

  • No coins were issued by the short lived First Republic (1873–1874).

In 1869 and 1870, coins were introduced in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 céntimos, and 1, 2 and 5 pesetas. The lowest four denominations were struck in copper (replaced by bronze from 1877), with the 20, 50 céntimos, 1 and 2 pesetas struck in .835 silver and the 5 pesetas struck in .900 silver. 5- and 10-céntimo coins were quickly nicknamed perra chica (small dog) and perra gorda (fat dog) respectively, as people then were unable to recognize the shape of the lion in them, mistaking it for a dog.[13] The 5-peseta coin was nicknamed duro (hard), referencing the old peso duro. 5-peseta coins were called duros by every generation until the withdrawal of the peseta in 2002, and Spaniards would often informally account in that unit (e.g. using '20 duros' for 100 pesetas).

Gold 25-peseta coins were introduced in 1876, followed by 10 pesetas in 1878. In 1889, 20-peseta coins were introduced, with production of the 25 pesetas ceasing. In 1897, a single issue of gold 100 pesetas was made. Production of gold coins ceased in 1904, followed by that of silver coins in 1910. The last bronze coins were issued in 1912.

Starting in 1906 a new series of 1- and 2-céntimo coins were issued in bronze. Due to a number of economic issues these were the only two coins from this series.

Coin production resumed in 1925 with the introduction of cupronickel 25 céntimos. In 1926, a final issue of silver 50 céntimos was made, followed by the introduction of a holed version of the 25 céntimos in 1927.

The Second Republic and Civil War period

In 1934, the Second Spanish Republic issued its first coins in the denomination of 25 and 50 céntimos and 1 peseta. The 25 céntimos and silver 1 peseta were the same size and composition as the earlier Royal issues, whilst the 50 céntimos was struck in copper. In 1937 a 5-céntimo coin was struck in iron and a new 1 peseta in brass. An iron 10-céntimo coin was also produced in 1938 but never issued into circulation, unknown whether due to its close resemblance to the 5 céntimos or because the government of issue fell before it could be released. All of these replaced symbols and images related to the monarchy. The brass 1 peseta was sometimes nicknamed La Rubia (The Blonde), as it issued a woman's face in a golden-colored alloy.[14]

Coins of the Nationalist State and World War II periods

The Nationalists issued their first official coins in 1937. These were holed 25 céntimos featuring a rising sun and a clutch of arrows. These coins were minted in Vienna. A smaller copper 25 céntimos followed in 1938. Following the end of the Civil War in 1939, the victorious Nationalist government introduced aluminium 5 and 10 céntimos in 1940 featuring a conquistador, followed by reduced size aluminium-bronze 1-peseta coins in 1944 featuring the state crest and national symbols.

During the Civil War, a number of local coinages were also issued by both Republican and Nationalist forces. In 1936, the following pieces were issued by the Nationalists:

District Denominations
Cazalla de Sierra 10 céntimos
Arahal 50 céntimos, 1 & 2 pesetas
Lora del Río 25 céntimos
Marchena 25 céntimos
La Puebla de Cazalla 10 & 25 céntimos

The following issues were made by Republican forces in 1937:

District Denominations
Arenys de Mar 50 céntimos, 1 peseta
Asturias and León 50 céntimos, 1 & 2 pesetas
Euskadi (Basque Country) 1 & 2 pesetas
Ibi 25 céntimos, 1 peseta
L'Ametlla del Vallès 25 & 50 céntimos, 1 peseta
Menorca 5, 10 & 25 céntimos, 1 & 2 12 pesetas
Nulles 5, 10, 25 & 50 céntimos, 1 peseta
Olot 10 céntimos
Santander, Palencia and Burgos 50 céntimos, 1 peseta
Segarra de Gaià (currently Santa Coloma de Queralt[15]) 1 peseta

Franco-era coinage

The first 1-peseta coins bearing the portrait of Francisco Franco were issued in 1947. Cupro-nickel 5 pesetas followed in 1949. In 1949, holed cupro-nickel 50 céntimos were introduced, followed by aluminium-bronze 2 12 pesetas in 1954, cupro-nickel 25 and 50 pesetas in 1958 and smaller aluminium 10 and 25 céntimos in 1959. Silver 100 pesetas were issued between 1966 and 1969, with aluminium 50 céntimos introduced in 1967. In 1966 Franco's profile was redesigned to depict a more current representation of the leader.

Following the accession of King Juan Carlos, there were a few changes. The replacement of Franco's portrait with that of Juan Carlos on the 50 céntimos and 1 peseta in 1975 and the addition of a cupro-nickel 100 pesetas in 1976. 10 céntimos were discontinued. However, more significant changes occurred to each coin in 1982. Following this redesign the 50 céntimos was discontinued, with aluminium replacing aluminum-bronze in the 1 peseta. A 2-peseta coin was also introduced featuring a map of Spain, though this denomination never became popular. More importantly, nickel brass 100 pesetas were introduced. The redesign centered around the 1982 FIFA World Cup and depicted football-related themes on the 1, 5, 25, 50, and 100 pesetas. Shortly afterwards, the large cupronickel 100 pesetas by a smaller aluminium bronze coin, which also replaced the 100 pesetas banknote. Cupronickel 10 pesetas was introduced in 1983, a denomination that had previously not been issued for many decades. This preceded a wholesale redesign in all circulating Spanish coins and abandonment of the "star" dating system. Cupronickel 200 pesetas were introduced in 1986, followed by aluminium bronze 500 pesetas in 1987.

In 1989 the biggest changes came; the size of the 1-peseta coin was significantly reduced, however not discontinued (making it the smallest, lightest circulating coin in Western Europe and perhaps the world at that time). The 2-peseta coin was discontinued. Smaller aluminum bronze 5 pesetas were introduced, and reduced aluminium bronze 25 pesetas were also introduced which had a hole in the center. Smaller 50-peseta coins were also issued the same year in cupronickel with the distinct Spanish flower shape that would eventually be used by many countries, most notably the 20-cent coin of the euro. At the same time, the 200-peseta coin was made larger and included an identifiable edge with incuse lettering. In 1999, a laser-etched hologram was added to the 500-peseta coin as a security feature to help discourage counterfeiting. During this period, all coins except the 1 and 500 pesetas went through a commemorative redesign each year, in a similar vein to the U.S. State commemorative quarters program until their discontinuation in 2001 preceding the introduction of the euro common currency.

Until 19 June 2001, the following coins were minted by the Spanish Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre:

ValueEquivalent in euros (€)DiameterWeightComposition
1 Pta0.006 (0.01)14 mm0.55 gAluminium
5 Ptas0.0317.5 mm3 gAluminum-bronze
10 Ptas0.0618.5 mm4 gCopper-nickel
25 Ptas0.1519.5 mm4.25 gAluminum-bronze
50 Ptas0.3020.5 mm5.60 gCopper-nickel
100 Ptas0.6024.5 mm9.25 gAluminum-bronze
200 Ptas1.2025.5 mm10.5 gCopper-nickel
500 Ptas3.0128 mm12 grAluminum-bronze

The 50-peseta coins issued between 1990 and 2000 were the first that featured the Spanish flower shape.

Spanish flower

Spanish euro coins

Like all member nations, these coins come in denominations of 1, 2, and 5 cents in copper plated brass, 10, 20, and 50 cents in Nordic gold, and bimetallic 1 and 2 euros with a common reverse design. The obverse of the first three denominations feature Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the 10, 20, and 50 cents depict Spanish poet-writer Miguel de Cervantes, and the 1 and 2 euros depict the effigy of King Juan Carlos I or King Felipe VI.


In 1874, the Bank of Spain (Banco de España in Spanish) introduced notes for 25, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 pesetas. Except for the 250-peseta notes only issued in 1878, the denominations produced by the Central Bank of Spain did not change until the Civil War, when both the Republicans and Nationalists issued Bank of Spain notes.

In 1936, the Republicans issued 5- and 10-peseta notes. The Ministry of Finance (Ministerio de Hacienda) introduced notes for 50 céntimos, 1 and 2 pesetas in 1938, as well as issuing stamp money (consisting of postage or revenue stamps affixed to cardboard disks) in denominations of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 45, 50 and 60 céntimos.

The first Nationalist Bank of Spain issues were made in 1936, in denominations of 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 pesetas. 1- and 2-peseta notes were added in 1937. From the mid-1940s, denominations issued were 1, 5, 25, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 pesetas. The 1, 5, 25 and 50 pesetas were all replaced by coins by the late 1950s.

In 1978, 5,000-peseta notes were introduced. The 100-peseta note was replaced by a coin in 1982, with 1,000-peseta notes introduced in 1983, 200 pesetas in 1984 and 10,000 pesetas in 1987. The 200- and 500-peseta notes were replaced by coins in 1986 and 1987.

The final series of banknotes were introduced between 1982 and 1987 and remained legal tender until the introduction of the Euro.

ImageValueEquivalent in euros (€)DimensionsMain colourPortrait
200 Ptas1.20120 × 65 mmOrangeLeopoldo Alas
500 Ptas3.01129 × 70 mmDark blueRosalía de Castro
1,000 Ptas6.01138 × 75 mmGreenBenito Pérez Galdós
2,000 Ptas12.02147 × 80 mmRedJuan Ramón Jiménez
5,000 Ptas 30.05156 × 85 mmBrownJuan Carlos I of Spain
10,000 Ptas60.10165 × 85 mmGrayJuan Carlos I of Spain and Felipe, Prince of Asturias

The last banknotes series (1992) was:

ImageValueEquivalent in euros (€)DimensionsMain colourPortrait
1,000 Ptas6.01130 × 65 mmGreenHernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro
2,000 Ptas12.02138 × 68 mmRedJosé Celestino Mutis
5,000 Ptas30.05146 × 71 mmBrownChristopher Columbus
10,000 Ptas60.10154 × 74 mmGrayJuan Carlos I of Spain and Jorge Juan y Santacilia

Andorran peseta

The Andorran peseta (ADP) (pesseta in Catalan) was pegged at 1:1 to the Spanish peseta. Following the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War on 17 July 1936, the Andorran General Council issued Decree No. 112 of 19 December 1936, authorizing the issuance of paper money backed by Spanish banknotes.[16]

Replacement by the euro

The peseta was replaced by the euro on 1 January 1999 on currency exchange boards. Euro coins and notes were introduced in January 2002, and on 1 March 2002 the peseta lost its legal tender status in Spain, and also in Andorra. The conversion rate was 1 euro = 166.386 ESP.

Peseta notes issued since 1939 and coins that were legal tender on 31 December 2001 remain exchangeable at any branch of the Spanish Central Bank until 31 December 2020.[17] According to that entity, as of March 2011 pesetas to a value estimated at €1.7 billion had not been converted to euros.[18]

See also


  1. Name in other languages of Spain:
  1. ^ 1999 by law (on financial markets and business transactions only), two currency units were used (the Spanish peseta still had legal tender on all banknotes, coins and personal bank accounts) until 2002.


  1. Brendan D. Brown (1979). The Dollar-Mark Axis: On Currency Power. Springer. p. 79.
  2. "Etimología de PESETA". Etimologías de Chile (in Spanish). Retrieved 17 June 2019.
  3. Royal Spanish Academy, ed. (1737). Diccionario de autoridades (in Spanish).
  4. Sato, Takayuki K. (2000-01-06). "Peso sign and Peseta sign (U-20A7)" (PDF). Retrieved 2015-12-26.
  5. 50 céntimos (1980). World Coin Gallery.
  6. 1 céntimo (1911-1913). World Coin Gallery.
  7. 1/2 céntimo (1866-1868). World Coin Gallery.
  8. "Peseta". Encyclopaedia Britannica.
  9. Charles P. Kindleberger (2005). A Financial History of Western Europe. Taylor & Francis. p. 150.
  10. "A Point of View: Making friends the shared currency way". BBC News. 2 March 2012.
  11. "Euro becomes a reality". BBC News. 1 January 2002.
  12. "E-Day: The euro is born". BBC News. 1 January 1999.
  13. Jabalquinto School. Regional Government of Andalusia.
  14. Ten years without the Peseta, Muy Interesante magazine.
  15. Ajuntament de Santa Coloma de Queralt. "Una mica d'història". Retrieved 25 April 2013.
  16. Linzmayer, Owen (20 January 2012). "Andorra". The Banknote Book (1 ed.). San Francisco, CA. p. 10. Retrieved 2012-04-27.
  17. Peseta Exchanges. Archived 2014-02-21 at the Wayback Machine Banco de España (Bank of Spain).
  18. Rainsford, Sarah (March 5, 2011). "Spain town reintroduces peseta to boost economy". BBC News. Retrieved March 5, 2011.


Preceded by
Spanish escudo
Spanish currency
Succeeded by