Spanish escudo facts for kids
The escudo was a special type of money used in Spain a long time ago. It came in two main forms: a gold coin and a silver coin. Each one was important for different reasons in Spanish history.
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The Gold Escudo: Spain's Old Coin
The first escudo was a gold coin. It was first made in 1535 or 1537. People used gold escudo coins until 1833. When it first came out, one gold escudo was worth 16 reales. Over time, its value changed. By 1737, one gold escudo was worth 40 reales de vellón.
Types of Gold Escudo Coins
Gold coins were made in several sizes. You could find coins worth 1⁄2, 1, 2, 4, and 8 escudos. The 2-escudo coin was very famous. It was known as the doubloon. Between 1809 and 1849, some coins were called 80, 160, or 320 reales. These coins had the same gold and value as the 2, 4, and 8 escudo coins. Most of these gold coins were made in Madrid or Seville. Madrid coins had a special 'M' mark. Seville coins had an 'S' mark. Each coin also had the initials of the person who oversaw its making.
The Silver Escudo: A Newer Currency
The second type of escudo was a silver coin. It was the main money in Spain between 1864 and 1869. This silver escudo was divided into 100 smaller parts called céntimos de escudo. The silver escudo took the place of the old real. Ten reales were equal to one silver escudo. Later, the silver escudo was replaced by the peseta. This happened when Spain joined a group of countries called the Latin Monetary Union. One silver escudo was worth 2+1⁄2 pesetas. The silver escudo was worth a quarter of the older gold escudo.
Different Silver Escudo Coins
Many different coins were made during the time of the silver escudo. There were copper coins worth +1⁄2, 1, 2+1⁄2, and 5 céntimos. Silver coins came in values of 10, 20, and 40 céntimos, plus 1 and 2 escudos. There were also gold coins worth 2, 4, and 10 escudos. The 1-escudo silver coin was first made in 1864. Other silver and gold coins followed in 1865. The copper coins were made starting in 1866. All these coins were made until 1868. The 10-escudo gold coin was also made in 1873. This was during the time of the First Spanish Republic.
See also
In Spanish: Escudo español para niños
