Spain hosts a diverse group of constituent regions, which over the centuries (and even to the present day) have sometimes jockeyed for independence. This World Coin of the Week from our OctoberCollectors Choice Online Auction reflects one such revolutionary moment, the Cantonal Revolution of 1873. The desired outcome would have been a group of highly autonomous Cantons and can be likenedto a radical form of federalism - radical in the sense that it advocated for the redistribution of wealth. This revolution began in July of 1873 in the southeast region of Cartagena. Governmentforces besieged the city, with the fledgling revolution capitulating just six months later in January of 1874.

During the siege, the revolutionary government requisitioned silver and minted coinage. Two types were minted, a 2 ½ Pesetas (10 Reales) and a 5 Pesetas (20 Reales). The piece described here isthe larger of the two. The design is rather simple, though well produced given its status as siege coinage. The obverse features a central design of a small five petaled flower above "SETIEMBRE /1873" the outer inscription states: "CARTAGENA SITIADA POR LOS CENTRALISTAS" (Cartagena besieged by the centralists). The reverse displays a similar central design: a small five petaled flower above"CANTONAL." The outer inscription states: "REVOLUCION" above two rosettes and "CINCO PESETAS" below. This example has the added interest of rotated dies (130 degrees).

To read the complete article, see:
Spain Cantonal Revolution Coinage (http://www.stacksbowers.com/News/Pages/Blogs.aspx?ArticleID=2681)