100 Escudos Gil Eanes, Silver

Gil Eanes was the Portuguese navigator who in 1434 became the first European to sail past Cape Bojador on the West African coast — a psychological barrier so formidable that over fifty previous expeditions had turned back, convinced the waters beyond were unnavigable. His success, achieved under the patronage of Prince Henry the Navigator, opened the route that eventually led to the rounding of Africa and the sea passage to India.

This 1987 issue is the sterling silver variant of a two-metal release; a cupro-nickel version was struck for circulation while this piece was produced for collectors. The Gomes reference distinguishes them as separate types within the same commemorative program.