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1 Soldo - João III Shield
| Issuer | Portuguese Malacca |
|---|---|
| Year | 1522-1550 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | Log in to see details |
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| Shape | Round (irregular) |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | An armillary sphere occupies the central field, depicted schematically with six parallels of latitude, a central ecliptic band, and two meridian circles rendered as intersecting circumferences. The instrument, a personal device of King Manuel I subsequently adopted as a dynastic emblem of Portugal, is shown without a legend or additional ornamentation, presented boldly within an otherwise plain field. The design is characteristic of colonial Portuguese coinage issued for Asian territories during the early sixteenth century. |
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| Mintage | ND (1522-1550) - Se 17.01 (As per pict) - ND (1522-1550) - Se 17.02 (Narrow Coat of Arms) - ND (1522-1550) - Se 17.03 (Short Coat of Arms) - |
| Additional information |
João III's administration of Malacca operated under constant pressure after the Portuguese seizure of the city in 1511 displaced the existing Malay monetary system. The calin alloy — a Southeast Asian tin-lead mixture — was a practical concession to local materials and trade expectations rather than Portuguese metallurgical preference. Lisbon had little interest in shipping silver to a garrison perpetually threatened by Johor and Aceh.
The dating span reflects administrative continuity across multiple captains-general rather than a single mint run. Individual issues within this range can differ meaningfully in tin content and flan preparation.