The 5 Réis (V Réis) coin from 1882 belongs to the reign of King Luís I of Portugal, who ruled from 1861 to 1889.
- Metal / Composition: bronze.
- Weight: approximately 2.8 g.
- Diameter: about 20.5 mm.
- Thickness (approx.): ~1.2 mm.
- Edge: smooth / plain.
- Mint: Lisbon, Portugal.
- Mintage (number minted): 5,200,000 units for 1882.
Design and Appearance
- The obverse shows the portrait of King Luís I facing left, with the legend “D · LUIZ · I · REI · DE · PORTUGAL”.
- The reverse displays the denomination “V REIS” and the year “1882”, within a wreath of flowers/leaves.
- The coin alignment is “coin alignment ↑↓”.
This coin is part of a series minted between 1882 and 1886.
Historically, bronze 5 Réis coins marked the transition — under Luís I — in Portugal’s decimal currency system, and they were widely circulated at the time.
Demonetization and Historical Value
Like many coins from the old Real/Réis system in Portugal, the 1882 5 Réis coin is no longer legal tender.
However, it holds numismatic and historical interest: it represents the Portuguese monarchy era, King Luís I, and the pre-escudo monetary system. Therefore, it is a collectible item — especially for those interested in 19th-century coins or monetary transitions.
Numismatic Value and Market (Indicative)
The market value of a coin like the 1882 5 Réis depends heavily on its condition (grade). Minor differences in wear, cleaning, shine, or integrity significantly affect the price.
According to reference catalogs:
- Circulated / common condition: approximately $0.25–$0.30 USD.
- Better preserved states (e.g., XF – “Extremely Fine”): around $3.70 USD (or higher depending on market demand).
- Rare, almost uncirculated coins may fetch even higher values.
In euros, considering current exchange rates and collector markets, typical offers are €2–€5 for coins in fair to good condition.
Note: These values are indicative. Numismatic prices vary with rarity, collector interest, and provenance.
Historical and Collectible Importance — Why Collect This Coin
- Represents Portugal’s monetary transition in the 19th century.
- Features a monarch — King Luís I — making it a tangible piece of Portuguese royal history.
- Made of bronze with a relatively high mintage, so it is not extremely rare — but well-preserved examples are scarce, increasing collectible value.
- Useful for numismatists to study minting techniques, coin evolution, circulation, and preservation of 19th-century coins.
For collectors of old Portuguese coins, especially from the monarchy and the decimal transition period, the 1882 5 Réis coin is an interesting, accessible, and historically significant piece.

