There are only 149 copies left and they cost 7,500 euros

In the world of collecting, some pieces have become authentic historical treasures due to their rarity and their link to key moments in the past. Among them, there are broadcasts that combine art, politics and scarcity, capable of reaching figures that surprise even the most experienced experts.

Its brief but curious history, together with a design that attracted the attention of its time, has caused these pieces to revalue over time, becoming a reference for numismatists and collectors around the world. One of them is the Benlliure peseta.

The numismatic treasure of 1946

After his mysterious appearance, This 1946 coin quickly became a coveted item for collectors and numismatic experts.

Its design, commissioned by renowned sculptor Mariano Benlliure, shows the bust of Francisco Franco, although with features that differ from later issues, such as a thinner “neck” and unique details on the back of the head.

These particularities did not go unnoticed by the dictator himself: Franco considered that the portrait offered an unflattering image, pointing out in particular a small lump on the back of the neck and the excessive thickness of the relief of the engraving. As a consequence, the 1946 series was withdrawn almost immediately after being put into circulation.

Just a few months later, the National Mint and Stamp Factory replaced this issue with a new version designed by Manuel Martín, which would give rise to the best-known peseta of 1947. This new version presented a more stylized bust of Franco, with a wider neck and a more harmonious relief, meeting the aesthetic demands of the regime.

A rare and well paid piece

The early withdrawal of the Benlliure issue made this coin an absolute rarity: today it is estimated that less than 150 specimens survivewhich makes it especially valuable for collectors and numismatic experts. Its scarcity and unique history explain why, despite more than 70 years, it remains a coveted piece at auctions and private sales.

According to the specialized portal ColeccionistaDeMonedas.com the best preserved can exceed 7,000 euros in the current market, while those that show deterioration or circulation marks can sell between 1,500 and 3,000 euros, depending on their conservation and whether they have the original 1946 star.

The Benlliure peseta sold for 7,400 euros

The first great record of the Benlliure peseta was recorded in 2011, when a coin in condition EBC (Extraordinarily Well Preserved) reached 7,400 euros at the house auction Martí Hervera & Soler y Llachnot including commissions. This price marked a before and after in the value of the coin, making it a benchmark in Spanish collecting.

Since then, prices have moderated slightly, although they remain high: e.g. The auction house Aureo & Calicó has recorded sales of copies between 2,200 and 2,800 euros in recent years, depending on the state of conservation and the specific rarity of each piece.