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320 Réis - José I Light Type - Lisbon Mint
| Issuer | Casa da Moeda de Lisboa (for Brazil) |
|---|---|
| Year | 1768-1776 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Reverse description | The reverse is dominated by a large armillary sphere rendered in bold relief, its latticed bands and meridian circles depicted with fine engraved detail, symbolizing Portuguese maritime dominion and the connection between the kingdom and Brazil. Four triangular segments, formed by the intersection of the sphere's great circles, radiate from the central cross of the Order of Christ at the base, filling the field. The circular legend, reading SVBQ. SIGN. NATA. STAB. (Born under a steady sign), is distributed around the periphery between the projecting points of the sphere, with stop punctuation separating each word. A finely beaded border frames the entire design. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
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| Additional information |
The "Light Type" designation distinguishes this issue from the heavier 320 réis struck earlier in José I's reign — the reduction reflected a deliberate Portuguese monetary policy response to chronic silver shortages and the practical realities of supplying colonial Brazil with circulating coinage across the Atlantic. Lisbon was producing for a market it could not easily monitor or recall.
José I's reign was dominated in its early years by the Marquis of Pombal, whose sweeping economic reforms extended directly into mint administration and colonial currency supply. The 1755 Lisbon earthquake had already disrupted institutional continuity at the Casa da Moeda; the coins struck in the following two decades carry that administrative turbulence in their often inconsistent die work.