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

Uitgever Portugal
Jaar 1688-1704
Type Standard circulation coin
Waarde 500 Réis (Reais)
Valuta Real (1517-1835)
Samenstelling Silver (.917)
Gewicht 22.9 g
Diameter 40 mm
Dikte
Vorm Round
Techniek Hammered, Milled, Countermarked
Oriëntatie
Graveur(s)
In omloop tot
Referentie(s) Gomes#J4 112; J4 113; J4 114; J4 115; J4 116; J4 117; J4 KM#437.1
Beschrijving voorzijde
Schrift voorzijde Latin
Opschrift voorzijde IOANNES IIII DEI GRATIA PORTVG ET ALG REX
Beschrijving keerzijde Countermark [S00] or [500]
Schrift keerzijde Latin
Opschrift keerzijde IN HOC SIGNO VINCES
Rand Rope shaped
Muntplaats
Oplage 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
Aanvullende informatie

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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