1/2 Escudo - João Prince Regent Lisboa mint

Portugal's Prince Regent João issued these small gold coins during a period of acute political instability — Napoleon's forces were advancing on Lisbon, and by late 1807 the entire Braganza court had fled to Brazil under British naval escort. Coins struck in the final months of this issue may have been among the last gold produced at the Casa da Moeda before the French occupation disrupted normal mint operations entirely.

The flight to Rio de Janeiro in November 1807 effectively ended this type's production run mid-series.