Pataco - Maria II Lisboa and Porto mints

The pataco was a deeply unpopular coin almost from the moment it appeared. Struck in bronze at a time when Portuguese commerce still expected copper of the old milled standard, these heavy pieces were associated with the financial strains of the Liberal Wars — the dynastic conflict between Maria II's constitutionalist supporters and the absolutist forces of her uncle Miguel that ground on until 1834. Mintage continued well past the war's end largely because smaller fractional coinage remained chronically short in domestic circulation.

Lisboa and Porto strikes are distinguishable by mint mark, and the two facilities produced inconsistently — Porto pieces from the earlier years of the run tend toward softer definition at the rim.