The Royal Mint of Spain has unveiled a new coin featuring portraits of King Felipe and Queen Letizia on one side. This is the first time that the couple have appeared on legal tender together, since Felipe was crowned king in June 2014.
The royal couple are captured side-on, with their names and the year 2015 printed on one face of the coin.
On the reverse is Don Quixote, a character in the Spanish classic by Cervantes. Quixote is pictured riding his trusted mare Rocinante while his long-suffering squire and sidekick Sancho Panza kneels beside them.
© Photo: RexQueen Letizia and King Felipe of Spain feature on one side of the coin
A windmill, which is typically found in the Castilla-La Mancha region and features heavily in the novels, is also printed in an inset.
The coin was released to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Don Quixote, whose second volume was published in 1615.
Although the coin has a face value of €30, the limited-edition piece would typically cost more as it is made of solid sterling silver.
© Photo: RexThe limited-edition piece was struck to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Don Quixote
Felipe ascended to the throne after the abdication of his 77-year-old father King Juan Carlos. He stepped down on 18 June and the coronation of his son took place the following day.
Over the past year, the Spanish public have seen more of Felipe and Letizia's two daughters, Princesses Leonor and Sofia, who are ten and eight respectively.
© Photo: Getty ImagesFelipe and Letizia celebrated Spain's national day with their daughters Leonor and Sofia
Last month the family gathered in Madrid to celebrate the country's national day. The celebrations also commemorate the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the New World and Spain's armed forces day.
Wearing military uniform, the sovereign attended a parade of the armed forces alongside his wife and daughters, who coordinated in smart navy and camel-coloured dresses. Letizia looked characteristically chic in a navy shift and blazer with her hair worn in a low bun.
The royals watched a fly-past which left trails of smoke in red and yellow, the colours of the Spanish flag, while over 3,400 troops marched through the city centre.
