On this page we will see the series of Portugal Euro Coins, composed of 8 divisional coins, three “red”, three “yellow” and two bimetallic coins. We will see as usual the specifications, description and especially the rarity and value of all the Portuguese Euro Coins.
Brief History of Portuguese Numismatics
Portuguese numismatics has known throughout its history basically three major currencies.
The first is undoubtedly the Portuguese Real in the plural called Reis, which was the official currency of Portugal from the fifteenth century.
Specifically, this was introduced as early as 1380 and became the official Portuguese currency in 1433.
Its name derives from the monarchy and was undoubtedly a tribute to King Alfonso VI who reigned during the period of the introduction of the Real.
The Real was the official Portuguese currency until 1911 and in these years there were many variations such as the Real White and the Real Black.
From 1911 the official currency became the Escudo, which in Portuguese means “shield”. In particular, this specific currency in the singular was defined as escudo and the plural as escudos. However, over 1000 escudos the nomenclature changed to “conto”. In few words it was like that: 1000 Escudos = 1 Conto
Introduction of the Euro
On 1 January 1999, the euro officially entered into force with an exchange rate set the day before at 200.482 escudos = 1 euro.
From 1 January 2002 to 28 February 2002, a phase of dual circulation began until the escudo officially gave way to the euro.
However, it is possible to change the escudos to Euro until 30 December 2022.
After this necessary introduction concerning the history of numismatics in Portugal, we begin our journey to discover the Portugal Euro coins. In particular we will see what are the characteristics of the different coins, the materials used, the subjects depicted and everything there is to know about them.
Without wasting any more time, let’s begin!
1 Cent Portugal Euro Coins
Let’s start immediately with the first coin, 1 cent Portugal Euro Coins. In particular, it must be said that the design of this coin was made by Victor Manuel Fernandes dos Santos.
On the starboard side, the coin depicts the 1134 Seal of the King of Portugal, Don Alfonso Henriques. In particular, this seal depicts a cross that forms the word PROTUGAL divided into 4 syllables, one for each quadrant of the cross.
On the outermost part of the cross there is a very special structure. First of all, inserted in the shape of a circle, are represented 7 castles also interspersed with the words PROTUGAL.
In the circle immediately outside this one there are instead 5 heraldic symbols interspersed with the thousandth of minting.
Above the first heraldic coat of arms there are also the initials of the author VS. All around instead the 12 stars to 5 points symbol of the European Union.
On the reverse side, the coin has the same face as the other European 1-cent coins with the representation of Europe in the world.
But let us now proceed to the technical specifications.
Specifications of 1 Cent Portuguese Euro Coins
- Materials: The material used for this coin is copper-plated steel. Specifically, steel is present for 94.35% while copper for 5.65%.
- Thickness: The thickness is equal to 1.67 mm
- Weight: The weight is 2.30
- Diameter: The diameter is 16.25 mm
- Outline: The contour is completely smooth
- Engraver: Victor Manuel Fernandes dos Santos
Value and circulation of 1 cents Euro Coins of Portugal
2 Cents Portugal Euro Coins
Let us now move on to the next coin, the 2 cents Portugal Euro Coins. Also in this case the same design has been used for the coins from 1 cent, 2 cents and 5 cents, the author is Victor Manuel Fernandes dos Santos.
On the obverse, the coin shows the 1134 seal of the King of Portugal, Don Alfonso Henriwues, depicting a cross with the words PROTUGAL divided into syllables on its four dials.
In the circle immediately outside the cross are represented 7 castles which are also interspersed with the words PROTUGAL. Immediately after that there is another circle which this time is composed of 5 heraldic symbols. These are interspersed with the thousandth of minting and the initials of the author VS on the first heraldic symbol.
Finally, in the outer circle there are the 12 five-pointed stars, symbol of the States of the European Union. On the reverse side, the coin has the same face as the other 2-cent coins of the other European countries.
Let’s now see together the technical specifications:
Specifications of 2 Cents Portuguese Euro Coins
- Materials: Even in for the 2 cents coin the material is steel plated with copper (steel 94.35%, copper 5.65%)
- Thickness: The thickness is always 1.67 mm
- Weight: The slightly higher weight is 3.06 g
- Diameter: The diameter is 18.75 mm
- Outline: The contour is characterized by an incused horizontal thread
- Engraver: Victor Manuel Fernandes dos Santos
Value and circulation of 2 cents Euro Coins of Portugal
5 Cents Portugal Euro Coins
We then come to the next coin, the 5 cents Portugal Euro Coins. The drawing shown is the same, made by Victor Manuel Fernandes dos Santos, for the red coins of one, two and five cents.
In the obverse, as for the other red coins, the coin represents the seal of 1134 of the Portuguese King Don Alfonso Henriques which is characterized by a cross in the center with the inscription PROTUGAL divided into syllables in the four quadrants of the cross.
Immediately in the outer circle, are represented 7 castles also interspersed with the words PROTUGAL. Going even further outwards we notice 5 heraldic symbols which, this time, are interspersed with the thousandth of minting.
In più sopra il primo simbolo araldico sono presenti le iniziali dell’autore VS. Il cerchio più esterno è invece caratterizzato dalle 12 stelle a cinque punte che stanno a simboleggiare l’unione europea.
On the reverse side, the coin is identical to all the other European coins, but let us move on immediately to the technical specifications.
Specifications of 5 Cents Portuguese Euro Coins
- Materials: Once again the material is steel plated with copper with a percentage of 94.35% for steel and 5.65% for copper
- Thickness: The thickness is always the same, 1.67 mm
- Weight: Weight increases to 3.92 g
- Diameter: The diameter is equal to 21.25 mm
- Outline: The contour returns to being completely smooth
- Engraver: Victor Manuel Fernandes dos Santos
Value and circulation of 5 cents Euro Coins of Portugal
10 Cents Portugal Euro Coins
Let’s move on to the 10 cent Portugal Euro coin made by the same author Victor Manuel Fernandes dos Santos although it has slightly different subjects than the previous ones. This graphic will be used for all the yellow coins in Nordic Gold, that is the coins of 10, 20 and 50 euro cents.
In fact, on the obverse, the coin represents the 1142 seal of the King of Portugal, Don Alfonso Henriques. This is a cross (much smaller than the other) in which is inserted the writing PROTUGAL.
After a small circular border, 7 castles are represented, also interspersed with the inscription PORTUGAL. In the circle immediately outside there are instead 5 heraldic symbols interspersed with the thousandth of minting.
On the first coat of arms there are also the initials of the author VS and above the fifth the mint symbol INCM. The outermost circle is made up of the 12 five-pointed stars representing the states of the European Union.
On the reverse side, the coin has the same face as the other 10-centime European coins.
Let’s see now the technical specifications of this coin.
Specifications of 10 Cents Portuguese Euro Coins
- Materials: The material is Nordic Gold characterized by 89% copper, 5% zinc, 5% aluminum and 1% tin
- Thickness: The thickness is 1.93 mm
- Weight: Weight is equal to 4.10 g
- Diameter: The diameter is 19.75 mm
- Outline: The contour is grooved with thick knurling
- Engraver: Victor Manuel Fernandes dos Santos
Value and circulation of 10 cents Euro Coins of Portugal
10 Cents Portugal Euro Coins – Values Table First Series
10 Cents Portugal Euro Coins – Values Table Second Series
20 Cents Portugal Euro Coins
Here we are with the 20 cents Portugal Euro coins. The design is the same as that of the author, Victor Manuel Fernandes dos Santos, who created the 10, 20 and 50 cents for all the other yellow coins.
On the obverse, the coin depicts the 1142 seal of the King of Portugal, Don Alfonso Henriques. Specifically, this is represented by a cross with the inscription PROTUGAL divided into syllables at the four dials.
After a small circular border, the cone depicts 7 castles interspersed with the words PROTUGALE. In the circle immediately following instead are represented 5 heraldic symbols which are interspersed with the thousandth of minting.
Upon the first symbol are inserted the initials of the author VS and on the fifth the Mint symbol INCM. On the outermost edge, the classic 12-pointed five-pointed stars symbolize the countries of the European Union.
On the reverse side, the coin has the same face as the other 20-centime European coins.
We immediately move on to the technical peculiarities.
Specifications of 20 Cents Portuguese Euro Coins
- Materials: The material is once again the Nordic Gold characterized by copper for 89%, zinc for 5%, aluminum for 5% and tin for 1%.
- Thickness: The thickness is equal to 2.14 mm.
- Weight: Weight increases to 5.74 g
- Diameter: The diameter is equal to 22.25 mm
- Outline: The contour is a wide knurling
- Engraver: Victor Manuel Fernandes dos Santos
Value and circulation of 20 cents Euro Coins of Portugal
20 Cents Portugal Euro Coins – Values Table First Series
20 Cents Portugal Euro Coins – Values Table Second Series
50 Cents Portugal Euro Coins
So let’s get to the next currency, the 50 cent Portugal euro coin. Also in this case we speak of Victor Manuel Fernandes dos Santos as author and engraver.
This coin features the 1142 seal of the King of Portugal, Don Alfonso Henriques, on the obverse side. A specific feature of this seal is a cross in the centre and the inscription PROTUGAL, divided into syllables along the four quadrants of the cross.
The cross is “protected” by a small circle beyond which are represented 7 castles (always arranged in circular form) also interspersed with the words PROTUGAL. Immediately after there are 5 heraldic symbols which are interspersed with the thousandth of minting.
On the first heraldic symbol are also engraved the initials of the author VS and on the fifth those of the Mint of State INCM. The outermost circle is occupied by the 12 five-pointed stars representing the European states.
As far as the reVerse is concerned, it is identical to the other 50 cents coins of the European Union with the representation of Europe itself. Let’s see the technical specifications instead.
Specifications of 50 Cents Portuguese Euro Coins
- Materials: The material used is once again the Nordic Gold (89% copper, 5% zinc, 5% aluminum and 1% tin).
- Thickness: The thickness is equal to 2.38 mm
- Weight: Weight increases significantly to 7.80 g
- Diameter: The diameter is equal to 24.25 mm
- Outline: The contour is grooved with thick knurling
- Engraver: Victor Manuel Fernandes dos Santos
Value and circulation of 50 cents Euro Coins of Portugal
50 Cents Portugal Euro Coins – Values Table First Series
50 Cents Portugal Euro Coins – Values Table Second Series
1 Euro Portugal Coins
We come to the second-to-last Portuguese Euro coin. Here is one of the 1 Euro Portugal coins. Bimetallic coin of which the author is once again Victor Manuel Fernandes dos Santos even if the subject changes further than the previous coins. Graphics that will also be used for the coins 2 Euro of Portugal.
In fact, this coin has the 1144 seal of the King of Portugal, Don Alfonso Henriques, on the obverse. The symbol is accompanied by the words PROTUGAL broken down into syllables.
In the circle immediately outside there are 7 castles also interspersed with the words PROTUGAL divided into syllables. Immediately next to it there are instead 5 heraldic seals which are interspersed with the thousandth of minting at the bottom.
On the first there are also the initials of the engraver VS and on the fifth those of the Mint of State INCM. Finally, the outer circle is occupied by 12 five-pointed stars symbolising European states.
On the reverse side, the coin has the same facade as the other 1 euro coins. Let’s see the technical specifications.
Specifications of 1 Euro Coins of Portugal
- Materials: In this case we are talking about a double material. The outer part consists of an alloy of nickel-brass (copper 75% – zinc 20% – nickel 5%). The inner part is instead made of copper-nickel (copper 75% – nickel 25%).
- Thickness: The thickness is 2.33 mm
- Weight: Weight drops to 7.50 g
- Diameter: The diameter is 23.25 mm
- Outline: The contour is striped discontinuously
- Engraver: Victor Manuel Fernandes dos Santos
Value and circulation of 1 Euro Coins of Portugal
1 Euro coin Portugal – Values Table First Series
1 Euro coin Portugal – Values Table Second Series
2 Euro Portugal Coins
Here we are with the very last currency, which is one of the 2 Euro Portugal Coins. Also for the latter the author is Victor Manuel Fernandes dos Santos, in fact the design is the same as the 1 Euro Portuguese coin.
The coin features the 1144 seal of the King of Portugal, Don Alfonso Henriques, on the obverse side. Specifically, this is interspersed with the inscription PORTUGAL divided into syllables.
In the circle immediately outside there are 7 castles which are also interspersed with the same inscription PORTUGAL.
On the side there are instead 5 heraldic symbols interspersed at the bottom with the thousandth of minting. On the first symbol there are the initials of the author or VS while on the last one there are the symbol of Mint or INCM.
Finally, the 12 five-pointed stars depicting the European States are placed on the outermost edge. On the reverse side, the coin has the same side as the other 2 euro coins. Let us now turn to the technical characteristics.
Specifications of 2 Euro Coins of Portugal
- Materials: Also in this case we speak of a double material. Specifically, the outer part is made of nickel-brass (copper 75% – zinc 20% – nickel 5%). The inner part is made of copper-nickel (copper 75% – nickel 25%).
- Thickness: The thickness is slightly reduced and reaches 2.20 mm.
- Weight: The weight on the contrary increases with respect to the previous currency as we speak of well 8.50 g
- Diameter: The diameter is equal to 24.25 mm
- Outline: The contour is finely galvanized and on the edge are engraved 7 castles and 5 heraldic symbols.
- Engraver: Victor Manuel Fernandes dos Santos
Value and circulation of 2 Euro Coins of Portugal
2 Euro coin Portugal – Values Table First Series
2 Euro coin Portugal – Values Table Second Series
Do you want to learn more about Euro Coins?
- Two pages you can’t miss: 2 Euro Commemorative Coins and Rare Euro Coins
- The precious Vatican euro coins can be seen here and also the San Marino euro coins
- Here you can see the Malta euro coins and here the Cyprus euro coins.
- Euro coins from Germany can be found here and Euro coins from Estonia and Latvia Euro Coins here.
- Euro coins from France can be found here, as well as Euro coins from Austria.
- Also of great interest are the euro coins from Greece and the euro coins of Luxembourg.
- Here you will find Lithuania Euro coins and Andorra Euro coins
- We also talked about Slovenian Euro coins and Slovakia Euro coins.
- Check also Spanish Euro Coins here and Euro Coins of Portugal here.
- The Netherlands euro coins can be found here and the Ireland euro coins here.
- All precious Monaco Euro coins are here and Belgium Euro coins here
