Catalog
| Issuer | Spain |
|---|---|
| Year | 2014 |
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
| Value | 10 Euros |
| Currency | Euro (2002-date) |
| Composition | Silver (.925) |
| Weight | 27 g |
| Diameter | 40 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#1315 |
| Obverse description | On the obverse of the first piece is reproduced an image of the work entitled `The Three Graces`, made between 1630 and 1635 by Pedro Pablo Rubens, which is preserved in the Museo Nacional del Prado. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
ESPAÑA RUBENS 2014 (Translation: SPAIN RUBENS 2014) |
| Reverse description | On the back of the first piece, an image of the work entitled `Felipe II on horseback` is reproduced around 1630 by Pedro Pablo Rubens, which is kept in the Museo Nacional del Prado. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
TESOROS DE MUSEOS ESPAÑOLES 10 EURO M (Translation: TREASURES OF SPANISH MUSEUMS 10 EURO M) |
| Edge | |
| Mint |
M Royal Mint of Spain (Real Casa de la Moneda), Madrid, Spain (1591-date) |
| Mintage |
2014 M - Proof - 7 500 |
| Numisquare ID | 1003077870 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: Issued by Spain in 2014, this 10 Euro coin commemorates Peter Paul Rubens, a titan of the Flemish Baroque. Though often associated with Belgium, Rubens' era saw the Southern Netherlands as part of the Spanish Habsburg monarchy. This connection ensured his art's deep influence within the Spanish court and its collections, solidifying his legacy in Spain's cultural heritage. The coin celebrates this shared artistic patrimony under the reign of King Juan Carlos I.
Artistry: The coin’s design, executed by the Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (FNMT), captures the grandeur of Rubens' Baroque style. The reverse typically features a detailed portrait of Rubens, often inspired by his self-portraits, or a prominent detail from a masterpiece. The obverse bears the effigy of King Juan Carlos I. This modern numismatic rendition translates Rubens’ painterly genius into the precise medium of coinage, blending classical composition with contemporary minting techniques.
Technical/Grading: Struck in .925 sterling silver, weighing 27 grams and measuring 40 millimeters, this is a substantial commemorative piece. Its large diameter allows for exceptional detail and relief. Key high-points for grading include the intricate details of Rubens' hair, beard, and collar on the reverse, and the highest points of the monarch's effigy on the obverse. The technical strike quality from the FNMT is typically excellent, often exhibiting frosted devices against brilliant fields, ensuring a sharp, well-defined image.