Description:
Spanish copper 5 centimos, 1868
Diameter 31mm
The obverse features the laureate bust of Isabel II facing right within a central beaded ring. The bust bears the initials 'AC' possibly those of the designer. The inscription around the outside reads 'ISABEL II POR LA GRACIA DE DIOS Y LA CONST', 'Isabel II By the Grace of God and the Constitution'. The date is below flanked by two eight-pointed stars. The stars represent the Barcelona mint. The reverse features the Spanish Royal Coat of Arms bearing the symbols of Castile in the first and fourth quarters and Leon in the second and third quarters. Granada is represented by a pomegranate between third and fourth quarters, and Bourbon Anjou is represented by a central escutcheon. This is flanked by a half wreath. There is a crown above and the mintmark 'OM' for Oeschger Mesdach & Co is below. The shield appears within a central beaded ring and the inscription around the outside reads 'REINA DE LAS ESPANAS' which is Spanish for 'Queen of the Spanish, and '5 CENTIMOS DE ESCUDO', the denomination.