On May 2, 1808, Spain entered the war against the armed forces of the First French Empire. Thus the War of Independence began. This year is going to commemorate the two centuries of the war and the Royal Spanish Mint decided to join the celebration as the War of Independence represents a very important milestone for the history of the country, leading to significant changed within Spain's previous political systems.

The mint presented five new commemorative coins that come blister-packed in order to fully maintain the engraving and luster. These coins are provided in a fashionable jewel case along with the respective certificate of authenticity provided by the Spanish mint.

Customers are free to buy any preferred coin from the series. In addition, one may also acquire a silver set, which includes the Cincuentin and the three eight-real coins, or the entire set that features all five Spanish commemorative coins.

Below there are short descriptions of each coin from the set presented by the Spanish Royal Mint.

8-Escudos Gold

The coin's obverse includes a copy of a painting created by one of the most famous Spanish artists Francisco de Goya y Lucientes. The painting is entitled "General Jose de Palafox on horseback".

The reverse of the coin depicts an adaptation of the engraving called "How brave!", which is one of the most spectacular plates from the artist's "Disaster of War" series, which can be viewed at the National Chalcography.

Cincuentín Silver

The obverse of the coin represents a reproduction of an oil painting called "May 3, 1808 in Madrid: the executions by firing squad on the mountain called Principe Pio", created by another famous Spanish artist Francisco de Goya y Lucientes.

The reverse of the coins shows an adaptation of the painting called "May 2, 1808 in Madrid: the battle with the Mamelukes", made by Francis Goya and presented in the Prado Museum.

8-Reales Silver - Battle of Bailén

The first 8-reales silver coin from the set illustrates on its obverse the central theme of the oil painting entitled "The Surrender of Bailen", created by Jose Casado del Alisal.

The coin's reverse represents the painting of Jose Maria Galvan, called "General Castanos, Duke of Bailen". It is interesting to note that General Castanos was acclaimed duke for defeating the French army in the "Battle of Bailen", which took place on July 19, 1808.

8-Reales Silver - Death of Daoiz and the Parque Monteleón

This second coin from the set includes the reproduction of a painting created by Manuelo Castellano, entitled "Death of Daoiz and the defense of the Parque Monteleon".

The coin's reverse shows a representation of the painting "Manuela Malasana", created by Jose Luis de Villar y Rodriguez de Castro. Manuela Malasana was considered a heroine and was famous for her battle for liberty. She became victim of the events of May 2, 1808.

8-Reales Silver - Edict of the Mayors of Móstoles

This 3^rd coin, from the set of Spanish silver commemorative coins, features on its obverse the reproduction of "Edict of the Mayors of Mostoles".

The coin's reverse includes the illustration of the monument dedicated to the Drummer of Bruc, created by Frederic Mares. The monument can be seen in Barcelona's El Bruc district. The statue was created to mark the battles won during the War of Independence.

Here are some specifications of the sets:

Entire Set - 1.255,12 Euros (*)
Silver Set - 327,12 Euros

Individual coins
8-escudos gold - 928 Euros (*)
Silver Cincuentin - 174 Euros (*)
8-reales silver - 51,04 Euros (*)

(*) This is the official retail price in Spain. For additional information regarding the sets, visit the official website of the Spanish Mint.