20 Réis - João V Crown with 4 Arches, Lisbon Mint

Historical Context: Issued during João V's reign (1706-1750), this 20 Réis coin marks a pivotal era in Brazilian colonial history, coinciding with the peak of the Gold Rush. As immense wealth flowed to Portugal, a stable internal currency was crucial for daily commerce within the colony. Struck at the Lisbon Mint, these copper issues served as the backbone for small transactions, facilitating economic activity in a rapidly expanding Brazil. Their metropolitan production underscored the colony's direct economic dependence on the Portuguese Crown.

Artistry: The 20 Réis design, featuring the distinctive João V Crown with 4 Arches, reflects the prevailing Portuguese Baroque aesthetic of the early 18th century, adapted for utilitarian copper coinage. While specific engravers are often unrecorded for colonial issues, the Lisbon Mint's consistent style blends royal heraldry with practical legibility. The obverse typically displays the royal monogram or arms, while the reverse prominently features the crowned denomination. The '4 Arches' crown is a key identifier, symbolizing the monarch's authority over the Portuguese Empire.

Technical/Grading: Given its substantial size (36mm) and copper composition, the 20 Réis often exhibits variable strike quality. High points prone to wear include the crown's arches, the raised elements of the royal monogram, and peripheral lettering. Early strikes may show weakness, particularly in the legends, due to challenges of achieving full detail across such a large flan with period coining technology. Planchet imperfections like laminations or irregular shapes are common. Environmental exposure often leads to surface corrosion or pitting, which can obscure finer details and impact overall grade.