500 Réis - Pedro II Countermark '500' or 'S00' and new lettering over Cruzado João IV
| Issuer | Portugal |
|---|---|
| Year | 1688-1704 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 500 Réis (Reais) |
| Currency | Real (1517-1835) |
| Composition | Silver (.917) |
| Weight | 22.9 g |
| Diameter | 40 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Hammered, Milled, Countermarked |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Gomes#J4 112; J4 113; J4 114; J4 115; J4 116; J4 117; J4 KM#437.1 |
| Obverse description | |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | IOANNES IIII DEI GRATIA PORTVG ET ALG REX |
| Reverse description | Countermark [S00] or [500] |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | IN HOC SIGNO VINCES |
| Edge | Rope shaped |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (1688-1704) - Gomes#J4 112 (S00 over Cruzado lisboa) - ND (1688-1704) - Gomes#J4 115 (S00 over Cruzados with other stamps) - ND (1688-1704) - Gomes#J4 116 (500 over Cruzado Lisboa) - ND (1688-1704) EEEE - Gomes#J4 114 (S00 over Cruzado Évora) - ND (1688-1704) EEEE - Gomes#J4 118 (500 over Cruzado Évora) - ND (1688-1704) PPPP - Gomes#J4 113 (S00 over Cruzado Porto) - ND (1688-1704) PPPP - Gomes#J4 117 (500 over Cruzado Porto) - |
| Numisquare ID | 1292603860 |
| Additional information |
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Historical Context: This 500 Réis coin (1688-1704) reflects monetary revaluation under King Pedro II (1683-1706). A countermarked Cruzado of João IV, it exemplifies a common practice to adjust currency without new minting. This revalidation addressed economic necessities, like fluctuating silver prices or denomination standardization. The countermark officially elevated older coinage's nominal value, ensuring circulation and demonstrating the crown's efforts to maintain stability before Brazilian gold discoveries transformed Portugal's economy.
Artistry: The "artistry" here is primarily functional. The original Cruzado of João IV featured the traditional Portuguese shield and Cross of Christ. The Pedro II countermark consists of a prominent '500' or stylized 'S00' numeral, clearly indicating the new denomination, often with new lettering or a date. This application prioritized clear,