Republic of Portugal 1 Escudo Silver Coin (5-Crowned Shield Type)
Coin/Bullion · Imprensa Nacional-Casa da Moeda (Portuguese Mint), Lisbon.
Pattern: Standard Circulation Coinage, Republic of Portugal (5-Crowned Shield Type).
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Imprensa Nacional-Casa da Moeda (Portuguese Mint), Lisbon.
Material
.835 Silver (83.5% Silver, 16.5% Copper). Total weight approximately 5 grams.
Dimensions
Diameter: 25mm. Thickness: ~1.5mm. Weight: 5.0 grams (0.1342 troy oz ASW).
Description
A classic example of early 20th-century Portuguese silver currency. The obverse displays the national coat of arms of Portugal, a symbol deeply rooted in the nation's maritime and monarchical history, repurposed for the Republic. The coin represents the monetary reform after the 1910 revolution, replacing the Real with the Escudo.
Key Features
Five shields (Quinas) arranged in a cross; laurel wreath enclosure; .835 fineness mark (implied by type); reeded edge.
Material & Composition
.835 Silver (83.5% Silver, 16.5% Copper). Total weight approximately 5 grams.
Finish & Decoration
Die-struck numismatic finish. Obverse features the Coat of Arms of Portugal (five shields and seven castles) within a laurel wreath. Reverse features the denomination '1 ESCUDO' with date and olive branches. Neoclassical/Republican style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No silver hallmarks as per tradition for coinage; the minting design serves as the weight and purity guarantee. Features 'REPUBLICA PORTUGUESA' text and denomination.
Construction Details
Machine-struck/Die-struck on a prepared silver planchet with a reed edge.
Functional Features
Milled/reeded edge to prevent 'clipping' or shaving of precious metal.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Numismatic item). Circular form with raised rim for stacking.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard industrial minting quality for the era; clean die strikes with high relief on the national shields.
Authentication Indicators
Correct alignment of the laurel wreath and castle counts (7 castles). Weight-to-size ratio consistent with silver alloy used by the Casa da Moeda during the early Republic.
Origin & Manufacturing
Portugal; minted at the Lisbon Mint (Casa da Moeda).
Era & Period
Portuguese First Republic / New State transition period (Coinage minted roughly between 1910 and 1968 in silver).
Age Estimate
Circa 1924-1927 based on the visible shield and wreath configuration; silver 1 Escudo coins were primarily minted in the 1920s.
Cultural Significance
Symbolizes Portuguese national identity and the 1911 monetary transition. In Portuguese culture, silver coins were often kept as 'luck' tokens or saved in traditional clay banks.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible surface wear and smoothing of the high points of the shields. Moderate tarnish/patina suggests circulation and drawer storage. No major dings, but loss of fine detail.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 USD depending on the specific date and bullion spot price. Value is primarily in its silver content (melt value) and historical curiosity.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish with abrasives as this destroys numismatic value. Store in an acid-free PVC-free flip or capsule to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
50 Centavos (smaller, 2.5g) and 2.50 Escudos (larger) of the same period; could be confused with later cupro-nickel versions which lack the silver luster and ring.
Interesting Facts
The 'five shields' design represents the five Moorish kings defeated by Afonso Henriques at the Battle of Ourique. This specific silver series was eventually replaced by Copper-Nickel as silver prices rose.