Afonso Henriques struck these coins following his victory at Ourique in 1139, the battle after which he declared himself the first King of Portugal and broke from Leonese suzerainty. The double crosier design reflects the extraordinary political leverage held by the Church in legitimizing that declaration — episcopal support was not incidental to Afonso's kingship; it was structurally necessary for it.
The billon content is low enough that many surviving examples have lost most surface silver, leaving a copper-dominant appearance that misleads casual attributions.
Afonso Henriques struck these coins following his victory at Ourique in 1139, the battle after which he declared himself the first King of Portugal and broke from Leonese suzerainty. The double crosier design reflects the extraordinary political leverage held by the Church in legitimizing that declaration — episcopal support was not incidental to Afonso's kingship; it was structurally necessary for it.
The billon content is low enough that many surviving examples have lost most surface silver, leaving a copper-dominant appearance that misleads casual attributions.