19th Century

In the time of Isabel II a number of attempts were made at reforming the monetary system, resulting first in the short-lived escudo system and, finally, the establishment of the peseta by the Provisional Government that came into power after the deposition of the Queen in late 1868. Peseta was the popular name given in Catalonia to the silver two real piece over a century earlier, which was now applied to the value of four reales de vellón (reales made from billon, an alloy containing less than 50% silver) The word duro also appeared on a piece minted in Gerona in 1808.

The Madrid Mint moved to a new building on the Paseo de Recoletos, on the block now occupied by the Gardens of the Discovery. This building also housed the Stamp Factory and, after a number of years working together, the two merged in 1893, forming the Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre, now over one hundred years old. In the centre of the Room there is a model of the building, and a panel showing the inaugural stone and the Gates of the Treasury.

If you would like to hear a short history of our Factory, please go to the projector room.