Over the years, what was once considered simply a means of payment has become an object of desire for collectors all over the world. Numismatics, the study and collection of coins, has transformed pieces that passed from hand to hand into true historical gems. A clear example of this transformation is an old 25 peseta coin, which can reach one million euros on the market due to a rare manufacturing error and its limited edition nature.
The Olympic jewel
Issued in the context of the Olympic Games in Barcelona in 1992, this commemorative coin included on its reverse the logo of the games together with the name “Barcelona’92”, the face value (25 pesetas) and the traditional stamp of the Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre, an “M” at the top. On the obverse, the coin shows the year of issue, 1990, together with one of the most representative symbols of the Olympics.
However, not all these coins are worth the same. Only a few were released with an error in their finish, which has caused their value to skyrocket to unimaginable heights. The defect is in the color: while most of the coins were minted in a golden tone, these specific pieces have a silver finish, completely atypical in this type of issue.
This detail has led collectors to consider them as extremely valuable rarities. In fact, in specialized markets, their price can reach 100,000 euros, and even exceed one million euros if they are kept in perfect condition. The phenomenon is reminiscent of other extremely valuable coins in circulation, such as the centén of Philip III or the dollar with a draped bust of 1804, which can only be found in a few hands.
🪙 La moneda vasca que reemplaza al euro y que solo se puede usar en el País Vasco: más de 4 millones https://t.co/fB6238nT2M
— COPE (@COPE) April 5, 2025
the key is in the error
As it is a limited edition and has a manufacturing defect that makes it unique, the price of this coin has skyrocketed. And it is precisely this combination that determines its success in the markets. Minting errors, far from devaluing a coin, revalue it if they are scarce and well documented.
This phenomenon is not exclusive to Spain. In fact, in countries such as Italy, people also look for coins with defects or unique features, such as the famous 10-cent coins that can be worth thousands of euros. In Spain, commemorative coins with potential for future revaluation are also still being put into circulation, such as the new 2-euro coin for the bicentenary of the National Police.
The fever for numismatics is not only a passion for experts, it can also be an opportunity for ordinary citizens who, without knowing it, have a small fortune stashed away in a drawer. That’s why checking out that forgotten box where coins were kept before the euro could be a more than profitable gesture. If you find one of these silver 25 peseta coins, you may be holding one of the most valuable pieces of modern Spanish collectibles.
👛 La moneda de 1 euro que en Francia están buscando por todas partes: encontrarla en España significa 2.900 euros
😯 Se trata de una moneda de euro francesa, expedida en 1999https://t.co/qhthFaHQos
— COPE (@COPE) March 12, 2025
Coins of Spain. High jumper depicted on the Spanish 25 peseta coin dedicated to the 1992 Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona.
For those who wish to delve deeper into this fascinating world of historical coins, you can find out more about the 2-euro coin from Greece that you are looking for everywhere or the 2-euro coin that Germans are looking for like crazy these days. So now you know: search your house. Perhaps, among the memories of another time, there is a piece hidden away that could change your future.
