The 1998 200 Escudos coin, dedicated to Garcia de Orta, is part of a series of circulation coins of the former Portuguese currency, the escudo, minted between 1991 and 2001.
Technical Specifications
- Denomination: 200 Escudos
- Year of issue: 1998
- Mint: National Mint of Portugal (INCM), Lisbon
- Mintage: approximately 17,866,000 units
- Composition: bimetallic — cupronickel core and aluminum-bronze ring (or equivalent alloys, depending on catalog)
- Weight: 9.80 grams
- Diameter: 28.00 mm
- Edge: segmented reeding — alternating smooth and reeded sections
Design / Coin Faces
- Obverse: features the coat of arms of Portugal (shield inside a globe), the denomination “200 ESCUDOS”, the inscription “REPUBLICA PORTUGUESA”, and the year of issue.
- Reverse: depicts a half-length bust of Garcia de Orta, facing right, holding a book and a flower — referencing his work as a physician and naturalist. The legend includes “GARCIA DE ORTA”, the engraver’s name (“J. CANDIDO”), and the mint mark “INCM”.
The design was made by engraver José Cândido, signed on the coin as “J. CANDIDO”.
Historical Context
The 200 Escudos coins featuring Garcia de Orta were minted from the early 1990s until 2001 — the year of transition to the euro.
Garcia de Orta (1501–1568) was an important Portuguese physician, botanist, and naturalist, a significant figure of the Renaissance — which explains his depiction on the reverse.
These coins circulated in daily life until the escudo was replaced by the euro, so most surviving units show wear. Still, they remain collectible due to their historical interest, design, and nostalgia.
Numismatic / Market Value
The market value of a 1998 200 Escudos coin varies according to condition:
| Condition | Approximate Value* |
|---|---|
| Circulated (common) | ~ €1.50 – €1.85 |
| Almost uncirculated / lightly worn | ~ €2.05 – €2.65 |
| Collector or store-prepared examples | Up to about €5, depending on authenticity and condition |
- These values are indicative — based on collector trades, they do not reflect any official guaranteed value.
Factors Influencing Value
- Condition: Coins with minimal wear and no scratches fetch higher prices.
- Mintage: With ~18 million minted in 1998, this coin is not rare — limiting high value increases.
- Collector demand: Historical or nostalgic interest sustains some market value.
- Preservation and presentation: Coins with proper centering, intact edge, and free from corrosion are preferred by collectors.
Conclusion
The 1998 200 Escudos — Garcia de Orta coin is an interesting numismatic piece, part of recent Portuguese history, honoring an important historical figure and representing the final decades of the escudo before the euro transition. Despite its high mintage, it retains value for collectors, especially in good condition. However, its value usually ranges only a few euros — being more appreciated for historical or sentimental reasons than for rarity or investment.
