History
The peseta was introduced in 1865, when Spain hoped to share a single currency with other European countries as part of the Latin Monetary Union. That plain failed, but a new European currency, the euro, was launched on January 1, 1999.
Other Countries
Spain adopted the euro as its official currency in 1999, along with Germany, Belgium, Italy, Ireland, France, The Netherlands, Portugal, Luxembourg, Finland and Austria. As of 2009, the euro is used by over 25 nations and territories.
Euro Coins
Each country mints its own euro coins with art commemorating important historical people and events. Spanish euro coins include such designs as His Majesty King Juan Carlos I, Miguel de Cervantes (author of "Don Quixote") and the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
Euro Banknotes
Euro bills depict architectural styles of different periods in European history.
Denominations
Euro coins are available in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and 1 and 2 euros. Euro banknotes are available in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euro denominations.
