500 Réis - Pedro II Countermark '500' or 'S00' and new lettering over Cruzado João IV

Emittente Portugal
Anno 1688-1704
Tipo Standard circulation coin
Valore 500 Réis (Reais)
Valuta Real (1517-1835)
Composizione Silver (.917)
Peso 22.9 g
Diametro 40 mm
Spessore
Forma Round
Tecnica Hammered, Milled, Countermarked
Orientamento
Incisore/i
In circolazione fino al
Riferimento/i Gomes#J4 112; J4 113; J4 114; J4 115; J4 116; J4 117; J4 KM#437.1
Descrizione del dritto
Scrittura del dritto Latin
Legenda del dritto IOANNES IIII DEI GRATIA PORTVG ET ALG REX
Descrizione del rovescio Countermark [S00] or [500]
Scrittura del rovescio Latin
Legenda del rovescio IN HOC SIGNO VINCES
Bordo Rope shaped
Zecca
Tiratura 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) -
ID Numisquare 1292603860
Informazioni aggiuntive

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,

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