Very rare and interesting provisional coinage of Spain which are eagerly sought after by collectors. This very attractive XF specimen has a fully original look in spite of the assessment by NGC which we think was overly harsh in the decision to not recognize the light scratches on the obverse as normal wear on a coin of this age. A great collectable. Only 33 coins in all grades of this type have been seen by NGC.


The term "duro" in the context of Spanish coinage refers to a silver coin. During the Peninsular War and the Napoleonic era, Spain experienced significant political turmoil and occupation by French forces. As a result, various regions in Spain issued provisional coinage as an attempt to maintain local control and express resistance against French influence.

In 1808, during this period of upheaval, Gerona, a city in Catalonia, Spain, issued provisional coinage in the form of "duros." These coins were struck as a measure of economic autonomy and resistance against the French occupation.

The coins usually featured local symbols, inscriptions, and the date of issue. The term "provisional" indicates that these coins were not part of the official coinage issued by the central government but were produced locally in response to the circumstances of the time.

If you have a specific coin from the provisional coinage of Gerona in 1808, it could have various designs and inscriptions, depending on the local authorities involved in its production. The value and historical significance of such coins can vary based on factors such as rarity, condition, and demand among collectors of Spanish or Napoleonic-era coinage.