12 Macutas - Maria I and Pedro III

Angola's macuta coinage of the 1780s was a deliberate attempt by the Portuguese crown to impose a regulated currency on a colonial economy that had long operated on cloth — specifically nzimbu shells and panos — as its primary medium of exchange. The joint attribution to Maria I and Pedro III is a dynastic formality; Pedro III died in 1786 having exercised minimal independent power, ruling only as the consort of his niece-wife Maria.

The 48.8mm diameter made these among the largest silver coins circulating in Portuguese Africa, which likely contributed to hoarding over use.