1 Tanga / 60 Réis - Luíz I Mumbai mint

Historical Context: This 1871 1 Tanga / 60 Réis coin originates from Portuguese India (Estado da Índia) during the reign of Dom Luíz I (1861-1889). Luíz I's era was marked by Portugal's continued efforts to maintain its colonial presence amidst the overwhelming dominance of British India. The dual denomination, Tanga and Réis, reflects the practical necessity of integrating local Indian currency systems with the Portuguese metropolitan standard for daily commerce within Goa, Daman, and Diu. The coinage's production at the Mumbai mint, a major British Indian facility, underscores the logistical and economic realities of colonial administration, often outsourcing minting to established regional centers rather than maintaining dedicated, smaller-scale colonial mints.

Artistry: The artistic execution of this copper issue adheres to the prevailing academic realism of 19th-century European monarchical portraiture, albeit adapted for colonial coinage. The obverse typically features a dignified, classicized bust of Luíz I, often in profile, with a standardized depiction of the monarch that would be familiar across Portuguese colonial issues. Specific engraver signatures are not commonly found on these outsourced colonial issues from the Mumbai mint; the designs were likely executed by mint employees following official Portuguese heraldic and portrait guidelines. The reverse features the Portuguese Royal Arms, a consistent symbol of sovereignty, rendered with a utilitarian clarity typical of mass-produced colonial currency.

Technical/Grading: For grading this large copper coin, particular attention should be paid to the highest points of the design, which are most susceptible to wear. On the obverse, key areas include the hair details, especially above the ear and at the nape of the neck, as well as the highest contours of the cheekbone and forehead. On the reverse, the crown surmounting the shield and the intricate details within the Portuguese escutcheon (such as the five escutcheons and seven castles) are critical indicators of strike quality and wear. Due to its large size and copper composition, these coins are prone to bag marks, environmental toning, and planchet imperfections across their broad fields, which should also be factored into the overall assessment.