10 Réis - Miguel I

Miguel I seized the Portuguese throne in 1828 after repudiating the constitutional charter he had sworn to uphold, triggering a civil war against the Liberal forces loyal to his brother Pedro IV. These copper coins were struck throughout his reign and became symbols of Miguelist absolutism — when Pedro's forces finally prevailed in 1834, Miguel was exiled to Austria and his coinage was systematically withdrawn. Surviving circulated examples often show heavy use, consistent with a currency that remained in active commerce until abruptly demonetized.