Catalog
| Issuer | Brazil |
|---|---|
| Year | 1699-1701 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 80 Réis |
| Currency | Real (1654-1799) |
| Composition | Silver (.917) |
| Weight | 2.41 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | Amaro de Barros |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#87.1, Bentes#88.01-88.09, KM#87.2, Bentes#87.01-87.09 |
| Obverse description | Shield, crown, value 80, date, 1 or 2 flowers. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
PETRVS. II. DG. PORT. REX. E. B. D. 1699/1701 80 (Translation: Pedro II, by the Grace of God, King of Portugal and Lord of Brazil.) |
| Reverse description | An armillary sphere in front of the Order of Christ cross. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
STAB· SUBQ· SIGN· NATA (Translation: Born under a steady sign.) |
| Edge | Reeded. |
| Mint |
Casa da Moeda do Brasil, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (1694-date) P Casa da Moeda de Pernambuco,Recife, Brazil (1700-1702) |
| Mintage |
1699 - Bentes 88.01-88.08; KM#87.1 (Rio de Janeiro); (See Comments). - 1700 - Bentes 88.09; KM#87.1 (Rio de Janerio); (See Comments). - 1700 P - Bentes 87.01-87.02; KM#87.2 (Pernambuco); (See Comments). - 1701 P - Bentes 87.03-87.09; KM#87.2 (Pernambuco); (See Comments). - |
| Numisquare ID | 1008246610 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 80 Réis silver coin, struck 1699-1701, is a pivotal numismatic artifact from Brazil's colonial period under Pedro II of Portugal. Pedro II (1683-1706) oversaw Brazil's nascent gold rush. Minted in Rio de Janeiro and Pernambuco, these coins were fundamental for local commerce, preceding widespread gold coinage. They underscore colonial mints' essential role in supporting Portuguese imperial ambitions and daily economic needs.
Artistry: The 80 Réis design follows the Portuguese Baroque aesthetic, prioritizing royal heraldry and religious symbolism. Engravers, likely anonymous master mint workers, adhered to royal directives. The obverse features the crowned Portuguese coat of arms, symbolizing monarchical authority. The reverse displays the iconic armillary sphere, representing Portugal's maritime empire, superimposed upon the cross of the Order of Christ, alongside the coin's value and date, embodying imperial reach and religious devotion.
Technical/Grading: Technically, these 80 Réis coins often present grading challenges. High-point areas, such as the crown's details, shield escutcheons, and armillary sphere lines, are frequently weakly struck due to rudimentary coining presses. Planchets often exhibit irregularities in shape, thickness, and surface quality; laminations or adjustment marks common. Off-center strikes, double striking, and areas of flatness are characteristic, reflecting variable quality control in early colonial minting.