Introduction
The 100 Escudos commemorative coin from 1997, minted for Expo ’98 – the Lisbon World Exposition, is part of the bimetallic series Portugal issued in the 1990s with themes related to the ocean. It is popular among beginner collectors and frequently appears on the market due to its attractive maritime imagery and low acquisition cost in circulated condition.
Physical description and technical specifications
- Denomination: 100 Escudos
- Year of issue: 1997 (for Expo ’98)
- Composition: Bimetallic — aluminum-bronze core (center) and copper-nickel ring
- Weight: ~8.3 g
- Diameter: ~25–25.5 mm
- Thickness: ~2.3 mm
- Edge: Mixed sections (alternating smooth and reeded)
- Catalogue reference: Often listed as KM#693 or KM#645.1 depending on catalogue
Obverse, reverse, and designer
- Reverse design: Representation of a sea lion / monk seal (the exact naming varies among collectors), fitting the Expo ’98 theme “The Oceans.”
- Obverse: Features the legend “REPÚBLICA PORTUGUESA,” the face value, and the date.
- Designer: Many catalogues attribute the design to Vítor Manuel Fernandes dos Santos (Vítor Santos), associated with several Portuguese commemorative issues of that period.
Historical context — Expo ’98
Expo ’98, held in Lisbon’s Parque das Nações, focused on the oceans and humanity’s relationship with the sea. This theme explains the marine motifs used in several Portuguese coins from the era. These bimetallic coins were released for circulation and helped promote the event, later becoming sought after by collectors.
Numismatic value (market prices)
- General market value:
The coin is common and widely available. Typical listings in online marketplaces and numismatic shops range from €1 to €6 for circulated or well-preserved pieces. - UNC or Proof examples:
Uncirculated pieces or special finishes (when available) can command higher prices, but the coin is generally not considered rare, and high premiums are uncommon unless the coin exhibits a minting error or exceptional condition. - Mintage:
Publicly available sources do not consistently report an official mintage figure. Its abundance on the market suggests a high mintage typical of circulating commemorative coins.
Evaluating condition and fair value
- Typical conditions:
- Circulated: visible wear, minor scratches; low price.
- Extra Fine / Almost Uncirculated: slightly higher value.
- UNC/Proof: potentially more valuable, though demand is modest.
- Authenticity checks:
Look at the bimetallic structure, edge pattern, and quality of the strike. Comparing with reputable catalogue photos is recommended. - Where to buy or sell:
Numismatic shops, coin fairs, and online platforms (eBay, Numista, OLX, etc.).
Conclusion
The 100 Escudos 1997 Expo ’98 coin is a representative example of Portugal’s ocean-themed commemorative issues. From a numismatic perspective, it is accessible and common, ideal for collectors who enjoy Expo ’98 memorabilia or marine-themed coins. It is not typically a coin with strong investment potential, though high-grade or error specimens can carry added value.
