Like many other mints, the Royal Mint of Spain issues - apart from the regular circulation coinage it strikes - a variety of commemorative coins for collectors. Since 2021, it also issues bullion coins - sold at prices close to the intrinsic value of the precious metal they are made from. The first of these was in the internationally popular one troy ounce of gold format, followed in 2022 by the small tenth-ounce (1/10 oz) of gold.
The tenth-ounce is denominated as 15 Euro cents - just a token face value showing the legal tender status of the coin, which is worth considerably more.
This coin is the third tenth-ounce bullion coin issued by Spain, and features the Carthusian Horse, which was also shown on the previous year's gold bullion ounce.
The Andalusian, also known as the Pure Spanish Horse or PRE (pura raza española), is a horse breed from the Iberian Peninsula, where its ancestors have lived for thousands of years. The Andalusian has been recognized as a distinct breed since the 15th century, and its conformation has changed very little over the centuries. Throughout its history, it has been known for its prowess as a war horse, and was prized by the nobility.
A sub-strain within the breed known as the Carthusian, is considered by breeders to be the purest strain of Andalusian horse. |