So, I recently got back from Madrid, the capital and the biggest city in Spain. I was there for merely 4 days, from August 24[SUP]th[/SUP] to the 28th. But I did enjoy myself so much and here are some pictures that I would like to share with you. Being a tourist Naturally, like every other foreigner who comes to Madrid, the first few spots to visit are the following: Puerta del Sol Plaza Major Royal Palace
Inside the Army Museum of the Royal Palace (not allowed to take pictures but i pretended not seeing the instructions ;-)) Cathedral Almudena Cibeles Palace (day)
Ritero Park Tired after a long walk, now it’s time to eat! Look at all the different hams – they even have a museum for it (well, not really – they name the place as Museo de Jamon – but it really is a restaurant!) Now, what you guys’ve been waiting for – what kinda coins did I get from Madrid? – right? Well, the best place to get government minted coins is definitely the Casa de la Moneda – that’s the Royal Spanish Mint really. There’s also a museum inside and it’s free. So, before having some fun at the shop, I went to the museum first. Unfortunately, cameras and video recorders aren’t allowed inside – so no pictures on the museum then ;-(. But trust me, there are massive numbers of different coins in there – from the past to present. I was immensely impressed! After the museum, I went to the shop. As usual, I was overwhelmed by the different products that they offer – feel like a kid in a candy store all over again ;-) I wanted to get everything! Well, that’s of course not happening and, thankfully, my wallet kept me in the ground! But here are a few things that I got at the end. The 2012 Spanish Euro proof set As pretty as they look – I must honestly say that the US Mint Silver proof set is both more cost effective and more appealing to me than this Spanish proof set (fyi – they are all clad btw).
Coins of the Spain's Provincial Capitals Starting from 2010, the Spanish Royal Mint is launching an issue of 52 Collector Coins dedicated to the capital cities of Spain's provinces and the autonomous cities. I wanted to get all these coins so that I can make “the set”. But as I told you above, I eventually get only two of these: Madrid and Barcelona! Next time I get back to Spain, I’ll get more of these.
Last but not least, the following three coins are my favorites! They are based on paintings from one of my favorite artist – Salvador Dali! Actually, the mint released 4 different coins – one at 5 oz and the other 3 at 1 oz each – and each with different design. Since the 5 oz one is way beyond my cash limit that day, I decided only to get the three 1-oz ones. Here are the cover and the reverse designs:
Last but not least, the following three coins are my favorites! They are based on paintings from one of my favorite artist – Salvador Dali! Actually, the mint released 4 different coins – one at 5 oz and the other 3 at 1 oz each – and each with different design. Since the 5 oz one is way beyond my cash limit that day, I decided only to get the three 1-oz ones. Here are the cover and the reverse designs: View attachment 199989 View attachment 199990 and here is the common observed design. View attachment 199991 I hope you enjoy the pictures and, one day, have a chance to make it to Madrid. Oh, if you do, don’t forget to go to Plaza Major on Sunday morning – there are lots of people looking for and dealers selling coins! Furthermore, if you need info about Madrid, give me a PM.
dear moderators - how come my last three pictures didn't come up right? also, how do i clean up the 'attached Thumbnails' to make my post cleaner? Thanks!
Very nice coins. Mat is right, i miss the taste of the "jamon serrano". I was in Madrid one time, I lived in Spain a few years, and there are a lot of cities and towns to visit.
Great report with nice photos! Depending on when you went to Plaza Mayor, you may have experienced the coin market there; another great opportunity to spend lots of money, hehe. At the mint, you can even make your own visitor medal; nice souvenir. And yes, they sure show a lot there. You won't see a "silver proof set" from any euro country. Making such pieces - that somehow look like the regular euro coins but in other regards are different - would be against the law here. Anyway, your 2012 set includes (in the middle) the commemorative €2 coin dedicated to the cathedral in Burgos. This is a series of coins depicting Unesco cultural heritage sites. Christian
Thanks and thanks for the additional info. I appreciate it. You sure know a lot about European coins ;-) Waar komt u vandaan? Belgie of Nederland? Btw, I wish I knew or I wish the guy told me that I could make my own visitor medal. Well, I guess that's in my to do list next time I visit Europe ;-)
Nee, ik ben duits maar verzamel ook €2 munten van het gehele eurogebied. (And judging from your language skills, you may appreciate not having to hear my attempts at speaking Dutch. ) As for that coin press, I have been to the mint museum in Madrid just one time so far, and on that occasion we had the opportunity to make our own souvenir medal. Also see here http://www.museocasadelamoneda.org/museum/acunacion_de_una_medalla_19 (you may need to play with the language settings). But I'm not sure whether it is operational all the time. Yeah, another reason to go back! Christian
Hello BioEtOH, Thanks’ for the really neat thread. It looks like you had a really nice visit & I am envious. Columbus was from the area that is now Italy but he sailed from Spain with the blessing of Spain's Isabella. Here are a couple US commemorative coins depicting Columbus & Isabella.
Thanks. Hahaha, Museo de Prado - Yes eventually did - almost didn't make it. But my Spanish friend insisted that I should go - so I went. They don't sell medals or coins though ...
Your dutch is great. Btw, I wish I could easily follow your path in collecting the 2 euro commemorative coins. That'll make a great collection IMO. I also heard that each EU country is now allowed to release their own commemorative coins in addition to the mandatory one. Your collection is gonna be much more exciting. I wish I could easily find those coins here.
Another great museum in Madrid is the Museo Reina Sofia; guess its most famous exhibit is Picasso's Guernica. But they have quite a few other great (relatively modern) works of art. BioEtOH: Until a few weeks ago, each euro country was allowed to issue one commemorative €2 per year; that started in 2004. The member states (ie. those countries that have the euro and are in the EU) can also have a common issue - such as this year's "10 Years Euro Cash" pieces. Also, each member state may now issue two "individual" €2 commems every year. Hope this won't get too expensive ... The Spanish €5 coins are so-called collector coins. Those are legal tender in the issuing member state only. But they don't really circulate anyway. Christian
