Introduction

The year 2012 marks the two hundredth anniversary of the proclamation that took place in the city of Cadiz of Spain's first Constitution: The Cadiz Constitution of 1812, popularly known as "La Pepa" because it was enacted on March 19th (the annual feast day of those named Jose or Josefina, nicknamed "Pepe or "Pepa" respectively).

The Cadiz Constitution was the first to be signed in Spain that established sovereignty of the people (the power lies in the people from whom stem all the powers of the State) and separation of powers (the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary), in addition to freedom of expression and free press. The Constitution of 1812 was the culmination of a long-intended process of change.

To mark such an important anniversary the Spanish Royal Mint produced a new collector coin bearing legends and motifs dedicated to the Bicentenary of Spain's 1812 Constitution.

BOE: Orden ministerial (ECC/775/2012)