2016-12-05 Mon

Spain issued new coins under its “Numismatic Treasures” series which celebrate ancient coin designs of the Spanish kingdom.

The new €10 silver coin features a design of a drachma that was issued in the settlement of Gadir, present-day Cadiz. It was the largest settlement in western Europe. The 3rd Century old Drachma struck by the Phoenicians was meant for normal commercial transactions.

The obverse features the Phoenician deity Melqart, like the Greek Heracles, with the fur of the Nemean lion, the dangerous monster. The reverse shows a tuna fish along with Punic or Phoenician letters that translate to “struck in Gadir”.

The mintage limit of the €10 .925 silver 27 g Proof coin is 7,500.