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CC 484 2023
Coin set
Proof
Coin set proof
Spain · UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Series, 14th issue, Old Town of Cáceres
Mintage1,297
Issue price€80.00
Issue date28 Mar 2023
PackagingCoin set
Edge lettering2 ★ ★ × 6, alternating upright/inverted
Price of the set (2 coins)€79.90
Mintage information from source: max. 1.500
Issue occasion
The coin commemorates the Old Town of Cáceres, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose architecture combines influences ranging from Gothic and Islamic styles to the Italian Renaissance and the art of the New World. The design shows a panorama of the monumental complex at the Plaza Mayor, as well as the inscriptions “ESPAÑA” and “CÁCERES”.
The design
The Old Town of Cáceres is an urban ensemble in the Autonomous Community of Extremadura in the west of the Iberian Peninsula. It is part of the World Heritage due to its unique historical features: from the Middle Ages to Classicism, highly diverse and contrasting influences shaped its architecture, such as the Gothic style, the Islamic style, the Italian Renaissance and art from the New World.
The coin features a panoramic view of the monumental complex at Plaza Mayor. Above it is the word “ESPAÑA” in capital letters, and below it the minting year “2023”. The mintmark is located in the upper right. The word “CÁCERES” appears in capital letters at the bottom.
The outer ring of the coin depicts the twelve stars of the European flag.
The coin features a panoramic view of the monumental complex at Plaza Mayor. Above it is the word “ESPAÑA” in capital letters, and below it the minting year “2023”. The mintmark is located in the upper right. The word “CÁCERES” appears in capital letters at the bottom.
The outer ring of the coin depicts the twelve stars of the European flag.
Background on the topic
The history of Cáceres dates back to Roman antiquity. The colony of Norba Caesarina was established near the present-day city centre. Parts of the later fortifications incorporated Roman foundations. During Islamic rule, Cáceres became a fortified place on the contested frontier between Muslim and Christian territories. Substantial sections of the city wall and several defensive towers date from this period.
In 1229, King Alfonso IX of León captured the city. Noble families from León, Castile and other parts of the Iberian Peninsula subsequently settled there. Fortified residences, palaces, churches and squares were built within the walls. The numerous coats of arms on the façades recall the families that shaped the city’s political and social life. In the late 15th century, Queen Isabella I had the projecting towers of many noble houses dismantled or lowered in order to curb private feuds and assert royal authority.
In the 16th century, Spain’s links with America also affected Cáceres. Members of regional families took part in the conquest, administration and trade of the Spanish colonies. Returnees and their wealth influenced construction activity and the furnishing of individual houses.
The Plaza Mayor developed outside the medieval walls into a market and meeting place. At its edge stands the Arco de la Estrella, one of the most important entrances to the walled old town. Next to it is the Torre de Bujaco, a defensive tower from the Islamic period. The present appearance of the square thus makes several phases of the city’s development visible immediately next to one another.
UNESCO added the old town to the World Heritage List in 1986. The issue belongs to the Spanish series of 2-euro commemorative coins, which has presented a Spanish World Heritage site each year since 2010. The choice of Cáceres thus follows the concept of this ongoing coin series.
In 1229, King Alfonso IX of León captured the city. Noble families from León, Castile and other parts of the Iberian Peninsula subsequently settled there. Fortified residences, palaces, churches and squares were built within the walls. The numerous coats of arms on the façades recall the families that shaped the city’s political and social life. In the late 15th century, Queen Isabella I had the projecting towers of many noble houses dismantled or lowered in order to curb private feuds and assert royal authority.
In the 16th century, Spain’s links with America also affected Cáceres. Members of regional families took part in the conquest, administration and trade of the Spanish colonies. Returnees and their wealth influenced construction activity and the furnishing of individual houses.
The Plaza Mayor developed outside the medieval walls into a market and meeting place. At its edge stands the Arco de la Estrella, one of the most important entrances to the walled old town. Next to it is the Torre de Bujaco, a defensive tower from the Islamic period. The present appearance of the square thus makes several phases of the city’s development visible immediately next to one another.
UNESCO added the old town to the World Heritage List in 1986. The issue belongs to the Spanish series of 2-euro commemorative coins, which has presented a Spanish World Heritage site each year since 2010. The choice of Cáceres thus follows the concept of this ongoing coin series.
Interesting Facts
This coin set contains all eight circulation coins from 1 cent to 2 euros, the €2 commemorative coin “Old Town of Cáceres” (CC484) and the €2 commemorative coin “EU Council Presidency” (CC497), face value: €7.88.