Obverse: The set consists of eight Spanish euro coins ranging from 1 cent to 2 euros. The 1, 2 and 5 cent coins depict the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, one of Spain's most important pilgrimage sites and architectural monuments. The 10, 20 and 50 cent coins feature Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote. The €1 and €2 coins depict King Juan Carlos I of Spain. The national designs also feature the country name ESPAÑA and the 12 stars of the European Union.
Reverse: The reverse of the coins features the first common European design corresponding to each euro denomination. The 1, 2 and 5 cent coins depict Europe in relation to the world, while the 10, 20 and 50 cent and €1 and €2 coins depict the European Union member states of the time. The common sides of the euro coins were designed by Luc Luycx.
About the coins: The first Spanish euro coins entered circulation on 1 January 2002, when the euro replaced the Spanish peseta. The designs of the first national series are divided into three themes representing Spain's statehood, culture and architectural heritage – King Juan Carlos I, writer Miguel de Cervantes and the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The cathedral, together with the historic old town of Santiago de Compostela, is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List and has been one of Europe's most important pilgrimage centres for centuries.
