The 5 Peseta “Duro” Coin From Girona: A Piece Of History Worth 27,000 Euros

If you are a fan of numismatics or you like everything that has to do with coins that are “rare” or that have a sometimes incalculable value

If you are passionate about numismatics or everything related to “rare” coins that sometimes have an incalculable value, you will be interested to know that there is a 5 peseta coin that, due to the few copies left, could reach 27,000 euros at auction. This is the so-called “hard of Girona“, a coin minted in 1809 during one of the most turbulent periods in the history of Spain.

It’s hard, whose origin dates back to the Napoleonic occupationthen has a value that few people would imagine for a simple coin. This high value has a lot to do with its historical context and, as we have mentioned, its extreme rarity. Only very few specimens are known. In fact, although some experts claim that there are nine of these coins, the Cayón auction house has only managed to identify three, which adds even more exclusivity to the coin. In addition, its manufacturing process was anything but conventional. Faced with the siege of Girona by French troops, the inhabitants were forced to melt down their own silver objects. to strike new coins, making this issue a unique testimony to resistance and creativity in times of war.

The piece that could be worth 27,000 euros

He hard of Girona It is more than a coin; it is a tangible piece of history. It was created in a context of extreme necessity, when the Catalan people, under the command of Mariano Álvarez de Castro, defended the city against the invasion of Napoleon’s Grand Army. It The siege of Girona, which began in May 1809, completely isolated the city, which caused a great shortage of resources. The city council, in desperation, ordered that a third of the population’s silver objects, including those in churches, were donated to mint this coinage. The monastery of San Pedro de Galligants was the first place where the mint was established, although it had to be moved several times under pressure from French troops.

A process of striking in difficult times

The Girona duro is a remarkable piece for its historical value, but it is also distinguished by the manufacturing process that had to be adapted to the circumstances of the war. The The silver used to mint it came from everyday and religious objects, which affected its quality. An alloy of 850 thousandths purityinferior to other coins of the time, but sufficient to fulfill the function of financing the resistance against the invading troops. Antonio Dassoy, a goldsmith of Genoese origin, was responsible for creating the stamp who shaped the currency. Despite the limitations, the result was a coin measuring 39 millimeters in diameter, weighing 27 grams and 2.2 millimeters thick, with a design that has gone down in history and is highly regarded by numismatic enthusiasts.

On the obverse of the coin we can see the bust of Ferdinand VII, accompanied by the legend “FERNANDO VII KING OF SPAIN”On the reverse, we find the crowned shield, surrounded by the inscription “ANNÉE·DE·1809·GERONA” and the value “5P”. It also has an oblique fluted edge, which gives it a distinctive appearance from conventional coins. Although many examples that have survived to this day show signs of wear, the details of its original design can be admired thanks to a private reproduction that faithfully recreates the beauty of this coin and shows the Navarre Journal:

Recreation of the Girona fort from 1809 (Photo: Diario de Navarra).

Value on the numismatic market

The rarity of this coin was one of the key factors for its value to reach such high figures. In July 2018, a copy was sold at auction by Cayón in EBC quality. (an acceptable state of conservation, although not perfect), reaching the record figure of 27,000 euros. Since then, no other specimen has been seen on the market, which has further increased the interest of collectors. Every time a coin of this type appears at auction, it becomes the center of attention of numismatic experts, who see it as a unique opportunity to acquire a piece of history.

As we can see, the Girona duro is one of those pieces that, although it does not enjoy the fame of other shows, It is invaluable for those who appreciate the story behind each piece.. Its rarity, its manufacturing context and the epic story that surrounds it make it one of the most valuable coins in the numismatic world. So, if you ever find yourself digging through your old family heirlooms, it is worth a look. Perhaps, without knowing it, you are holding on to a historical treasure valued at tens of thousands of euros.

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