The 25-peseta gold “alfonsino” is Restoration Spain’s gold crown — Alfonso XII’s portrait on a .900 gold piece struck at Madrid, in youthful and bearded portrait types that collectors chase by variety. Slightly heavier in gold than the French 20 francs, it is one of the most available classic Spanish gold coins. This entry covers the specs, the two portrait types, and the star-date system.
Key facts
- Specifications: 8.0645g, .900 fine gold, 0.2333 oz actual gold content; Madrid mint; catalog KM673 (youthful portrait), KM687 (bearded portrait).
- Documented issues include 1877 and 1878 (youthful) and 1881, 1883, 1884 (bearded) per Heritage Auctions records; full series span.
- The date appears in the stars flanking the portrait, with the visible date sometimes differing from the star micro-date (e.g., “18 81” in stars).
- The reverse carries the crowned arms of Spain with the legend REY CONSTL. DE ESPAÑA (“Constitutional King of Spain”) — the Restoration’s pairing of divine right with constitutional monarchy.