Europa Program - Orellana
Introduction
Under the "European Heritage" theme the Real Casa de la Moneda has minted the 8th series of collector coins in the Europa Program. On this occasion the issue was dedicated to Francisco de Orellana in the 5th Centenary of his birth.
A Spanish explorer and conquistador (1511 - 1546), Orellana was born in Trujillo (Cáceres). He was the first of Spain's explorers to navigate the Amazon. He set out for Central America at the age of 17. Having gained an expert knowledge of the American territory and of several Amerindian tongues, he bolstered Gonzalo Pizarro's army in Peru and assisted him in many campaigns, in one of which he lost an eye.
In 1537 he re-founded the city of Guayaquil which had been destroyed by the natives, and in 1538 he received the title of Lieutenant Governor of the city. In 1541 he joined the expedition that Pizarro was organizing to the east in search of the Country of Cinnamon and El Dorado, which would conclude in the discovery of the Amazon river in 1542. He then set course to return to Spain, where he was granted governorship over the lands he had discovered and named New Andalusia. He died in his endeavor to sail the Amazon upstream from the mouth of the river to Quito.
The connection between Francisco de Orellana and the name of the Amazon river is of interest, for there are those who will swear that the name was given by Orellana himself in reference to the fierce warrior women of Greek myth, the Amazons, after he had encountered a tribe along this river whose women defended themselves by fighting in the same way as did the men.
Other releases under the Europa Program: (2004) (2005) (2006) (2007) (2008) (2009) (2010).
Details
The collector coins for this eighth series in the Europa Program are minted in proof quality and come in stylish jewel cases.
The coins may be purchased singly each in its own case, or as a complete st with both coins inserted in the same case.
| Name | Composition | Face Value | Weight | Diameter | Quality | Mint run |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 reales | 925 silver | 10 € | 27 g | 40 mm | Proof | 12.000 |
| 4 escudos | 999 gold | 200 € | 13.5 g | 30 mm | Proof | 3.000 |
8-reales silver
The obverse of the silver coin portrays the effigy of H. M. King Juan Carlos I.
The reverse depicts on the left a likeness of Francisco de Orellana. On the right is a portrayal of a ship commanded by the Extremadura-born explorer. Above this, the common mark adopted by the issuing countries of Europa Program coins. Below the vessel can be seen the Mint mark.
4 escudos gold
The obverse of the gold coin portrays the effigy of H. M. King Juan Carlos I.
The reverse depicts on the left a likeness of Francisco de Orellana. On the right is a portrayal of a ship commanded by the Extremadura-born explorer. Above this, the common mark adopted by the issuing countries of Europa Program coins. Below the vessel can be seen the Mint mark.
Prices
Official retail price in Spain, excluding any relevant taxes:
The set
Case containing 2 coins - 758 Euros (*)
Individual coins
8 reales silver - 48 Euros
4 escudos gold - 710 Euros (**)
(*) Sets containing gold and silver coins: VAT will be applied only to the silver coins.
(**) 4-escudos gold: exempt from VAT in EU member states.
