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Português 'R-Ɔ'- João III 2nd type, Porto mint
| Issuer | Portugal |
|---|---|
| Year | 1525-1557 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Reverse description | Large cross of the Order of Christ occupying the full field, its arms terminating within a beaded inner circle; each quadrant formed by the cross is decorated with five pellets (bezants) arranged in a quincunx pattern, referencing the quinas of the Portuguese royal arms. The cross is bold and deeply struck, consistent with the hammered technique employed. The surrounding legend, reading IN HOC SIGNO VINCES ('In this sign thou shalt conquer'), runs between the inner beaded circle and the outer rim in well-spaced Latin capitals, referencing the motto of Constantine and the crusading spirit of the Order of Christ. |
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| Reverse lettering | IN HOC SIGNO VINCES |
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| Additional information |
The "R-Ɔ" designation identifies the Porto mint mark on this heavy gold issue — Porto's output under João III was far smaller than Lisbon's, and survivors attributable to this mint are considerably scarcer than the type's overall population might suggest. João III's reign saw Portugal at the financial apex of its eastern spice empire, yet simultaneously hemorrhaging bullion into perpetual military campaigns in North Africa and the Estado da India. These coins, struck at near-pure fineness, circulated as instruments of international trade rather than domestic commerce — their weight alone put them beyond everyday use.