60 Réis - Tanga - Maria II Pattern, Damão mint

Historical Context: This 60 Réis Tanga copper pattern coin, struck in Damão in 1834, emerges from a turbulent period in Portuguese history. Maria II ascended the throne amidst the Liberal Wars (1828-1834), a civil conflict that profoundly impacted the Portuguese Empire. The Damão mint, one of several colonial mints in Portuguese India, played a crucial role in supplying coinage for local commerce. As a pattern issue, this coin represents a proposed design, likely for a new coinage series under the newly established liberal monarchy, making it a rare and historically significant artifact illustrating the administrative and monetary aspirations of the era for its overseas territories.

Artistry: While the specific engraver for this Damão pattern remains unrecorded, its design adheres to the prevailing European neoclassical and early Romantic aesthetic of the early 19th century, adapted for colonial coinage. The obverse would typically feature a dignified portrait of Maria II, reflecting her status as Queen. The reverse would likely incorporate traditional Portuguese heraldry or colonial symbols, such as the armillary sphere, indicative of Portugal's maritime empire. As a pattern, the artistic execution would have been meticulously rendered, showcasing a refined and detailed design intended to impress and set a standard for future circulation issues.

Technical/Grading: Struck in copper, this substantial pattern coin measures 36 mm in diameter and weighs 39 grams, making it a prominent piece. For grading, key high-points to examine include the intricate details of Maria II's coiffure, diadem, and facial features on the obverse, and the finer elements of any armorial devices or legends on the reverse. Given its pattern status, examples often exhibit a sharper strike and better preservation than their circulating counterparts, though copper planchets are susceptible to environmental damage and minor flaws. The large flan size also presents challenges for achieving a consistently full strike across the entire surface.