Shield Coin List
The Portuguese escudo was the official currency of Portugal from 1911 until 2002, when it was replaced by the euro. During this period, the coat of arms underwent several changes in its design and value, reflecting the country's history and economy.
Origin and evolution of the Portuguese coat of arms
The coat of arms was introduced in 1911 after the fall of the monarchy and the establishment of the First Portuguese Republic. It replaced the old real in a ratio of 1 escudo per 1000 reais. The first escudo coins were minted in denominations of 1, 2, 4 and 10 cents in bronze, and 10, 20 and 50 cents in silver. Throughout the 20th century, the escudo underwent several devaluations due to inflation and economic changes. In 1990 a new series of coins was introduced with modern designs depicting elements of Portuguese culture and history, including maritime discoveries and historical figures such as Henry the Navigator.
The escudo in its final years and transition to the euro
In the 1980s and 1990s, the escudo coins in circulation included denominations of 1, 5, 10, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 escudos. The 200 escudos coin, introduced in 1991, was one of the first in the world to use bimetallic technology. In preparation for the adoption of the euro, Portugal began minting euro coins in 1999, although these did not enter circulation until 2002. January 1, 2002 marked the official end of the escudo as legal tender in Portugal, concluding nearly a century of numismatic history. During a brief transition period, both coins circulated simultaneously, allowing the Portuguese to gradually adapt to the new European currency.
The most valuable and popular coins
The most valuable Shield coins and sought after by collectors according to Foronum statistics are the following:
The valuation of these coins list has been achieved through a meticulous algorithm that considers the current market, taking into account aspects such as material, weight, diameter, edge, year of mintage, mint of manufacture and the number of coins produced. Coins with limited mintages and in good condition are usually among the most valuable.
Old coins of Portugal
To facilitate their classification, we have decided to organise the coins according to their historical period, you can consult the coins by historical numismatic categories of Portugal.
Shield Euro 2002-?Coin Catalog
Portugal | 2 1/2 ecu (Henrique the Navigator)
Portugal | 2 1/2 ecu (Bartolomeu Dias)
Portugal | 2 1/2 ecu (Vasco de Gama)
Portugal | 400 reis (New Crusader)
Portugal | 10 reis
Portugal | 10 réis (John V)
Portugal | 10 reis
Portugal | 1/2 escudo
Portugal | 10 reis
Portugal | 5 reis
Portugal | 5 reis
Portugal | 10 reis
Portugal | 10 reis
Portugal | 60 reis
Portugal | 400 reis
Portugal | 5 reis
Portugal | 10 reis
Portugal | 10 reis
Portugal | 100 reis
Portugal | 200 reis
Portugal | 500 reis
Portugal | 50 reis
Portugal | 1000 reis
Portugal | 100 reis
Portugal | 50 reis
Other resources to find coins and banknotes of Portugal
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