Old portuguese escudos

The old Portuguese escudos circulated from 1911 to 2002, bearing symbols of Portugal's history and culture, such as the armillary sphere and national coat of arms.

About this subject

The Portuguese escudo was the official currency of Portugal for over nine decades, replacing the real in 1911 after the Proclamation of the Republic. Its name derives from the country's coat of arms, and coins often featured heraldic elements such as the armillary sphere, a symbol of the Age of Discovery, and the national shield with the quinas. Over the years, coin designs evolved: early series depicted the figure of the Republic, while later issues, especially from the 1960s onward, highlighted navigation, castles, and personalities like poet Luís de Camões.

Coins were minted in various metals: bronze, cupro-nickel, silver, and even gold for commemorative pieces. The last regular issue before the euro adoption included denominations from 1 to 200 escudos. A notable curiosity is that in 1998, Portugal issued a 200 escudo coin honoring Expo 98. The escudo also circulated in Portuguese colonies, such as Brazil (until 1942) and Mozambique, with local variations.

Devaluation was a constant challenge: in the 1990s, inflation necessitated high-value banknotes, like the 10,000 escudo note. Despite this, the escudo remained deeply symbolic for the Portuguese, remembered with nostalgia after the transition to the euro in 2002. Today, old coins are collectibles, especially limited editions and those with minting errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the Portuguese escudo stop being used?

The escudo was replaced by the euro on January 1, 2002, but coins could be exchanged at banks until 2022.

What was the main symbol on escudo coins?

The most common symbol was the armillary sphere, representing the Portuguese Age of Discovery, along with the national shield and the quinas.

Are there valuable escudo coins for collectors?

Yes, especially commemorative coins, silver or gold issues, and those with minting errors, such as the 1911 1 escudo coin.