Catalogue
| Émetteur | Angola |
|---|---|
| Année | 1752-1757 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Valeur | 5 Réis |
| Devise | Real (18th century-1914) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Poids | 3.58 g |
| Diamètre | 25 mm |
| Épaisseur | |
| Forme | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Graveur(s) | |
| En circulation jusqu’à | |
| Référence(s) | KM#6, Gomes#Jo.01.0x, Bentes#248 |
| Description de l’avers | Value V between flowers and date, inside a circle of pearls topped by crown. |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | Latin |
| Légende de l’avers |
IOSEPHUS·I·D·G·REX·P·ET·D·GUIN· V 1753 (Translation: José I, by the Grace of God, King of Portugal and Lord of Guinea.) |
| Description du revers | An armillary sphere, without mintmark. |
| Écriture du revers | Latin |
| Légende du revers |
PECVNIA·TOTVM·CIRCUMIT·ORBEM (Translation: Money circulates around the world.) |
| Tranche | Smooth |
| Atelier | |
| Tirage |
1752 - Jo.01.01; Bentes 248.01 - GUIN. (See Comments) - 1753 - Jo.01.02; Bentes 248.02 - GUIN. (See Comments) - 232 308 1753 - Jo.01.03; Bentes 248.03 - GUIN (See Comments) - 1757 - Jo.01.04; Bentes 248.04 - GUN (See Comments) - |
| ID Numisquare | 4233209920 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
Historical Context: This 5 Réis copper coin was issued for Angola during the reign of José I of Portugal (1750-1777), a period marked by significant imperial administration under the Marquis of Pombal. The 1752-1757 dating places it early in José I’s rule, a time when Angola was a crucial Portuguese colonial territory for trade and resource extraction. This specific coinage underscored the crown's direct economic control, providing essential fractional currency to facilitate local commerce within the colony.
Artistry: Specific engraver details for colonial copper issues are often unrecorded, but the design reflects the utilitarian late Baroque aesthetic of 18th-century Portuguese numismatics. The obverse invariably features the crowned royal arms of Portugal, a clear symbol of monarchical authority. The reverse typically displays the denomination "5 REIS" and the year of mintage, often within a decorative border. These elements prioritize legibility and the assertion of royal sovereignty, fitting its role as circulating colonial currency.
Technical/Grading: Struck in copper (3.58 grams, 25 millimeters), this coin's high-points for grading include the crown and intricate royal shield details. Colonial production often resulted in variable strike quality, with examples showing well-centered to slightly off-center strikes and potential for weaker design elements. Planchet quality can also vary, sometimes exhibiting minor laminations. As a copper issue, it is highly susceptible to environmental corrosion and wear, typically affecting the raised portions of the design first.