Duro - Ferdinand VII Girona

During the War of Independence, the city of Girona was forced to mint provisional or emergency coins. On July 5, 1808, the city rose up in arms against the French army, led by Enrique O’Donnell and Julián Bolívar. On December 18, 1808, the Governing Board authorized the minting of “Duros”. Shortly afterward, the collection of silver from churches and private individuals for minting began. On January 20, 1809, the first “GNA” type “Duros” were put into circulation. The small mint's workforce consisted of 21 employees, many of whom were blacksmiths and silversmiths. The mint moved between different locations: first, it was in the Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants; Later, in Calle de la Forca, and finally in the cellars of the Cathedral.

The minting was done with a rocker press owned by a local resident, and it appears that production ceased at the end of September 1809. Even today, the exact number of "Duros" minted at the mint remains unknown, and there is considerable confusion regarding the minting of those with busts. (The dies for these pieces are in the Royal Mint Museum in Madrid.) "Duros" with the "GNA" punch exist in brass, copper, and silver, dated 1808, 1812, and 1819 (illogical occurrences and unsolved mysteries). The city of Girona surrendered on December 10, 1809.