November 17, 2011 – Within the framework set up in celebration of the Dual Year Spain-Russia 2011 the Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre – Real Casa de la Moneda and the Bank of Russia have each minted a collector coin designed with a common reverse. These coins are now on sale to the public.
Spain – 10 EUR – 925 silver – 27.00 g – 40.00 mm – Mintage: 7,500.
The Spanish coin portrays a likeness of H.M. King Juan Carlos I. The Russian coin depicts the two-headed eagle from the Russian coat-of-arms.
Russia – 3 RUB – 925 silver – 31.1 g – 39.00 mm – Mintage: 7,500.
The reverse is common to both coins. The central motif depict images of a Don Quixote and of a ballerina from the Russian Ballet. The scene portrayed to the left of Don Quixote is a landscape from La Mancha. To the right of the ballerina a Russian landscape is pictured.
In addition to selling the Spanish coin singly in its own case, the Spanish Royal Mint will market 1,500 cases that contain both coins.
Since the re-establishment of full diplomatic relations with the USSR in 1977 Spain and Russia have experienced more than three decades of close friendship and productive exchanges. Enhancing the peaceful accord that they enjoyed throughout centuries past, both countries are conscious of having contributed to Europe’s political and cultural heritage with exceptional experiences. Spain and Russia lead, and also share remarkable prospects, in their ties to other cultures and civilizations.
The Dual Year seeks to lay the basis for a qualitative change in the relationship between the two countries, most particularly in the economic sphere.
Technological innovation and modernization will be the “leitmotiv” of the Year. The project will be developed in harmony with the idea of a common objective of modernization, as was set out in the Rostov-on-Don Declaration between Russia and the European Union in May 2010.
The objective of the Dual Year is for the respective cultures to attain high visibility, more in line with reality and less stereotyped. The Dual Year is a unique time for identifying opportunities and creating resources for the future that will strengthen our mutual relationship in all spheres of activity. The celebration has been considered in its broadest conception, both in the territorial aspect and by reason of the all-inclusive scope of expertise that it will be concerned with, namely culture, economy, business, science and education.
More information on Spain’s coin you will find here.
For the Russian coin please visit the site of the Bank of Russia.