Description:
Spanish copper ten centimos, 1870
Diameter 29mm
The obverse features a female figure within a central beaded ring, she is seated and facing right with her left hand extended and an olive branch in her right hand. Underneath is the name 'L. Marchionni' possibly that of the designer or engraver. The inscription around the outside reads 'DIEZ GRAMOS (10 grams)/1870'. The reverse features a lion with its front paws on the Spanish Royal Coat of Arms within a central beaded ring. The arms are divided into four parts, the first quarter bears the castle of Castile, the second the lion rampant of Leon, the third bears the stripes of Catalonia and the fourth the interlinked chains of Navarre. Between the third and fourth quarters is a pomegranate representing Granada. Underneath are the initials 'OM' for the mint of Oeschger Mesdach & Co. The inscription around the outside reads 'CIEN PIEZAS EN KILOG/ DIEZ CENTIMOS', 100 pieces in a kilogram/ 10 centimos. The coin was struck under the Spanish Provisional Government, 1868-1871, and the two eight-pointed stars represent the Barcelona mint.