Buy The Spanish Civil War: Fall of Barcelona: Last Money of the Republic (mini coin album) Online
In November of 1938, the war between Francisco Franco’s Nationalists, backed by Mussolini’s Fascists and Hitler’s Nazis, and the Republicans, a coalition of communists, anarchists, socialists, and separatists supported in spirit by much of the free world, was well into its third year.
With copper, nickel, and other metals consumed by the war effort, the Republic turned to an unusual form of emergency currency. Postage stamps were affixed to round cardboard discs and emblazoned with the Republican coat of arms. These makeshift coins were distributed by banks for free to keep daily commerce alive.
This fragile piece of paper currency, produced in Barcelona in 1938, stands as one of the last monetary issues of the Spanish Republic. Just months later, in January 1939, Barcelona fell. With it, the antifascist resistance collapsed, and Franco’s Nationalists assumed full control of Spain. Franco would rule as a strongman until his death in 1975.
Details of This Unique Collection:
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Historical Significance: Issued in Barcelona in 1938, this was one of the final forms of currency used by the Spanish Republic before Franco’s victory.
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Unique Emergency Currency: Unlike traditional coins, these pieces were made of cardboard with affixed stamps due to wartime shortages of metals.
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Rarity: Few examples of this improvised currency have survived, making it a fascinating relic of one of Europe’s most pivotal conflicts.
Why Collect This Rare Piece of History?
This cardboard coin is not just a monetary token—it is a symbol of resistance, desperation, and the final days of the Spanish Republic. It reflects the resourcefulness of a government under siege and the dramatic collapse of antifascist Spain.
Highlights:
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Produced in Barcelona, 1938 during the last months of the Republic
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Features the Republican coat of arms
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Represents one of the last issues of Republican money before Franco’s takeover
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A rare collectible linking numismatics with the dramatic events of the Spanish Civil War
