4037) Antonio Machado, Spain: 150th Birth Anniversary of the prominent Spanish poet ((1875-1939): A €10 - 8 Reales Silver Proof and Colour Coin minted by the Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (FNMT) – Real Casa de la Moneda celebrates the milestone: Date/Year of Coin issue: 23.06.2025:
The Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre – Real Casa de la Moneda has issued €10- (or 8 Reales) Silver collector coins featuring Antonio Machado the prominent poet.
A familiar photo of Antonio Machado is recreated on the Reverse side. The Obverse features the numeral "150" as a backdrop along with colourful imagery of orange blossoms, a seascape and an open suitcase filled with books, symbolising travel, poetry, and nostalgia.
This year marks the 150th anniversary of birth of Antonio Machado (1875-1939) regarded as one Spain’s prominent poets of the 20th century and a member of the Royal Spanish Academy since 1927.
The artist was a member of the so-called "Generation of '98" a group of Spanish writers, poets, essayists, and philosophers who emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Their movement was the result of Spain's defeat in the Spanish-American War. They were united by a desire to revitalize Spain's culture and literature, and address the nation's social and political problems.
Born in Seville, Spain one year after his brother Manuel, also a noted author, they were grandsons to the noted Spanish folklorist, Cipriana Álvarez Durán on their father’s side.
Antonio discovered his passion for literature as a student after his family moved to Madrid in 1883 and both brothers were enrolled at the Institución Libre de Enseñanza. However, his affinity for poetry was strengthened when in 1899 he and Manuel both travelled to Paris to work as translators for a French publisher.
During these months in he came into contact with prominent French Symbolist poets and also with other contemporary literary figures, including Rubén Darío and Oscar Wilde.
Machado’s first poems were published in 1901 in the literary journal Electra and his first book of poetry was published in 1903, titled Soledades.
In 1907, his definitive collection was published with the title Soledades and Galerías.
Many of his most recognised works reflect his deep connection to the Castilian lands and a reflection on the passage of time, life, and the search for meaning.
His works became a part of Spanish cultural legacy during his lifetime and in 1927 as recognition of his literary contributions at the age of 52, he became a member of the Royal Spanish Academy.
His works were also a critical reflection on the Spanish political landscape of his time and as a strong supporter of the Spanish Republic which emerged after the collapse of the monarchy, Machado fled Spain when the Republic itself collapsed when Spain erupted in civil war in 1936.
Machado initially remained in Madrid with his family but in 1939 as the country further degenerated into violence, Machado fled with his elderly mother first to Barcelona, then leaving for Paris in January 1939.
It was during the journey however, he developed pneumonia and on the 22nd February he passed away in Collioure, a fishing village on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and sadly, his mother died three days later.
Machado was buried in Collioure's old cemetery where his grave has become a place of pilgrimage.
His legacy:
Today, his works stand the test of time and reflect three notable aspects that stand out in his artistic evolution, the intellectual environment of his early years, the influence of philosophical readings, and finally, his critical reflection on the Spain of his time.
The Coin:
The Reverse side of the €10 - 8 Reales Silver Proof and Colour Coin depicts a familiar image of Antonio Machado wearing a fedora, and based on a photograph taken of the poet by Alfonso Sánchez Pórtela before his self-imposed exile in 1934.
Machado's signature appears to the left of the image along with a feather and to the right of the feather is the denomination "10 EURO".
Below the portrait along the lower periphery and shown as incused lettering is the text "150 ANNIVERSARIO ANTONIO MACHADO".
The Obverse side of the €10 - 8 Reales Silver Proof and Colour Coin features the numeral "150" as a backdrop along with colourful imagery of orange blossoms, a seascape and an open suitcase filled with books, symbolising travel, poetry, and nostalgia.
In a vertical direction superimposed over the numeral "1" is the text "ESPAÑA" and under the primary design along the lower periphery are the commemorative years "1875 – 2025".
The specifications of this Coin are:
Denomination Metal Weight Diameter Quality Mintage limit
€10 - 8 Reales .925 Silver 27 g. 40 mm. Proof & Colour 4000
- Available from the 23rd June, each silver proof coin is encapsulated and presented in a custom case accompanied with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity (COA).
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Rajan Trikha has commented:
ReplyDelete"Very interesting and informative post 👍"
Thank you so much, Trikha sahab.
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