Catalogue
| Émetteur | Portugal |
|---|---|
| Année | 1139-1185 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Valeur | 1 Dinheiro |
| Devise | Libra (1st Dynasty, 1128-1383) |
| Composition | Billon (.450 silver) |
| Poids | 0.6 g |
| Diamètre | 18 mm |
| Épaisseur | |
| Forme | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Graveur(s) | |
| En circulation jusqu’à | |
| Référence(s) | Gomes#A1 01 |
| Description de l’avers | King`s head looking left above mint letters C-O (?or O-O?) |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | Latin |
| Légende de l’avers | ALFONSVS |
| Description du revers | Christo Cross with crescents at 1st and 3rd corner |
| Écriture du revers | Latin |
| Légende du revers | REX PORTVGA |
| Tranche | |
| Atelier | |
| Tirage |
ND (1139-1185) C-O - - |
| ID Numisquare | 1474936450 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
Historical Context: The Dinheiro 'Bust' of Afonso I, Gomes#A1 01, dates from Portugal's foundational period (1139-1185). Afonso Henriques, the first King, forged the nation amidst the Iberian Reconquista, asserting autonomy from León. This coin's issuance was a crucial declaration of sovereignty, establishing a distinct Portuguese monetary system and signifying the nascent kingdom's self-governance on the peninsula.
Artistry: Artistically, this Dinheiro embodies the early medieval Iberian stylistic school. No specific engraver is known, typical for 12th-century coinage. The obverse features a stylized bust of the monarch, often crowned and facing left or right, rendered symbolically rather than as a realistic portrait, reflecting Romanesque numismatic traditions. The reverse typically displays a cross, frequently surrounded by a legend, executed with varying precision inherent to manual minting.
Technical/Grading: This billon (.450 silver) coin, 0.6 grams and 18 millimeters, showcases medieval hammer striking traits. High-points for wear include the crown and facial features of the obverse bust, and the center and arms of the reverse cross. Manual production often results in off-center or weak strikes, irregular planchets, and incomplete legends, particularly at the periphery. Billon composition means original luster is rare, with surfaces prone to minor pitting or encrustation.