Description:
Spanish bronze 5 centimos, 1879
Diameter 24mm
The obverse features the bust of Alfonso XII facing right. The inscription reads 'ALFONSO XII POR LA GRACIA DE DIOS', meaning 'Alfonso XII By the Grace of God'. The date below is flanked by two eight-pointed stars representing the mint at Barcelona. Below the bust are the initials 'G.S', possibly those of the designer or engraver. The reverse features the Spanish Royal Coat of Arms - a crown above a shield 'per cross' bearing a castle in the first quarter for Castile, a lion rampant in the second quarter for Leon, vertical stripes in the third quarter for Catalonia and interlinked chains in the fourth quarter for Navarre. Between the third and fourth quarters is a pomegranate representing Granada and the escutcheon bears the three fleur-de-lys representing Bourbon-Anjou. The Shield is flanked by olive branches and below are the initials 'OM' for the mint of Oeschger Mesdach & Co. The inscription reads 'REY CONST: DE ESPANA/ CINCO CENTIMOS', meaning 'Constitutional King of Spain/ 5 centimos'. This is divided by two eight pointed stars.