Lot #559: Spain 1958 Fifty Pesetas - "Caudillo" Francisco Franco - 1957 Large Date - 1958 Star Date - 68 years old!

Obverse: Features the portrait of Francisco Franco facing right. The design is by Mariano Benlliure. The inscription reads FRANCISCO FRANCO CAUDILLO DE ESPAÑA POR LA G. DE DIOS (Francisco Franco, Leader of Spain by the Grace of God) with the date 1957 prominently displayed at the bottom. Reverse: Features the Coat of Arms of Spain (Eagle of Saint John) as used during the Francoist regime. The eagle holds the shield of the Spanish kingdoms, with the pillars of Hercules flanking it. The inscription reads 50 PESETAS with the national motto UNA GRANDE LIBRE ("A grand liberty") on a ribbon behind the eagle's head. Note the unusual "Star" Date to the left under the Eagle's beak: While the large date on the obverse says 1957, the actual year of minting is found inside the tiny six-pointed stars on the reverse. For this specific coin, you will see a '58' inside the stars. The 1958 Spanish 50 pesetas coin is a significant high-denomination issue from the era of Francisco Franco. This large, cupro-nickel coin was a cornerstone of the Spanish economy during the mid-20th century, representing a period of stabilization and increased industrial output. By 1958, Spain was moving away from the extreme isolation of the post-civil war years. The 50 pesetas was a high-value coin, and this design remained the standard for the 50 pesetas denomination until the death of Franco and the subsequent transition to the reign of Juan Carlos I. Dimensions: Cupro-Nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). 30 mm. 12.5 g. (A large, heavy coin similar in size to a US Half Dollar). Pickup category timeslot {A}