Spain 1866 centimo 3 point star

from the Mountain Groan Collection

This Spanish centimo was part of the second decimal reform of 1864. In 1850, the twenty reales was reduced to 26.91 grams. This having proven unsatisfactory, the coinage was reformed again in 1864. The twenty reales was dropped in favor of a two escudos silver coin, reduced to 25.96 grams. One hundred centimos = one escudo. Instead of the traditional "M" and "S" mintmarks the issues are distinguished by three, four, six, seven or eight pointed stars on the reverse (for Segovia, Jubia, Madrid, Seville and Barcelona). This type was struck 1866-68 with this specimen coming from Segovia. Some examples of this date have the engravers' initials "OM" on the reverse. Unfortunately, the government, financially prostrate as usual, was unable to remint the old coins, which continued to circulate as before.

Recorded mintage: unknown but common.

Specification: 2.5 g, copper, 18 mm diameter.

Catalog reference: KM 633.4.

Source:

• Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
• Cayón, Adolfo, Clemente Cayón and Juan Cayón, Las Monedas Españolas, del Tremis al Euro: del 411 a Nuestros Dias, 2 volumes, Madrid: Cayón-Jano S.L., 2005.
• Calicó, Xavier, Numismática Española: Catálogo General con Precios de Todas las Monedas Españolas Acuñadas desde Los Reyes Católicos Hasta Juan Carlos I, 1474 a 2001, Barcelona: Aureo & Calicó, 2008.
• O'Connor, Patrick, The Coins of Queen Isabel II of Spain: A Detailed Study of the Coins, Patterns and Medals of Her Reign, San Antonio, TX: Aurora Rarities, LLC, 2017.

Link to:

• 1866(b) ½ centimo
• 1866(b) 2½ centimos
• 1866(b) 5 centimos
• 1866(s) 5 centimos
• 1866(m) 40 centimos
• 1866(m) escudo
• 1866(m) 4 escudos
• 1867(b) centimo
• Coins and currency dated 1866