Spanish Mundial (World Cup) 1980 Madrid

关于此套币: Cannot give the date when the Spanish Government released these coins to the public, but remember the day….. it was the dead of Winter and with huge anticipation after Spain had won the sponsorship of the World Cup Soccer championships, the Madrid Mint would issue brand new coinage designs for all of their coins! Hundreds of collectors, dealers, children, and soccer fans lined up alongside the front door of Banco de España which opens onto Plaza Cibeles in Madrid. The banks massive metal front doors probably reach 15 or 20 feet, maybe higher?? Normally, these doors are never open, but this day was a special one, and to my knowledge, they have never opened since!
People were lined up 3 abreast or more from Plaza Cibeles down to Plaza Neptune (The unofficial name) which is about 300 meters South on the Paseo Del Prado which faces the world-famous Prado Museum. Across and up the opposite side of the street is the Spanish Cortes building, their Parliament. Braving a bitter North wind which if I remember correctly was hovering at the freezing mark, just to receive one example of each of the new Spanish coin designs celebrating the World Soccer Cup! No special holder, not even in protective flips! Just handing the "Naked" coins out from one hand to the next.... Frozen hands at that!!
This was not only a special day for Spanish Soccer fans, but Spanish coin collectors; especially for this Spanish transplant who just happened to be stationed in the area with the USAF!