The Spanish Legion, informally known as “The Tercio” or “The Tercios” (old Spanish military term that roughly translates as ‘regiment‘), is an elite unit of the Spanish Army that belongs to Spain’s Rapid Reaction Force. It was raised in the 1920s to defend the Spanish territories in Africa. The unit is the equivalent of the French Foreign Legion and it was initially known as the Tercio de Extranjeros (“Tercio of foreigners”) although it recruited some foreigners they were predominantly from Spain.
The Spanish Legion is now mostly used in NATO peacekeeping missions. They have participated in the Yugoslav Wars, Afghanistan, Iraq and Lebanon. Their parades attract a lot of attention since their march step is faster than the Spanish military standard, being 160-180 steps per minute in contrast to the standard 90 steps per minute and their mascot, a goat, parades freely with them.
On the reverse, in the central part, the emblem of the Spanish Legion is reproduced in color. At the top of the coin, in a circular direction and in capitals, the legend LA LEGION. Below, the dates 1920 and 2020. At the bottom of the coin, in a circular direction and in capitals, the legends LEGIONNAIRES TO FIGHT, LEGIONNAIRES TO DIE.
On the obverse side, the portrait of His Majesty King Don Felipe VI is reproduced on the left, wearing the insignia of Captain General. At the top, in a circular direction and in capital letters, appears the legend FELIPE VI KING OF SPAIN. In the lower part, between two points, the year of issue 2020.
For more information, visit the website of the Real Casa de la Moneda.
Click here to watch a parade of the Spanish Legion.
In our online database Cosmos of Collectibles you can find this and more Spanish coins.
