Historical Context

This coin belongs to Portugal’s commemorative series dedicated to the Discoveries. The theme “Columbus and Portugal” refers to the years in which Christopher Columbus had documented ties to the Iberian Peninsula before his final voyages to the New World. The series pays tribute to iconic figures and moments linked to navigation and maritime expansion.

Design Description (Obverse / Reverse)

Obverse

• Portuguese coat of arms on the left.
• The legends show the value and date:
  “1991 / 200 ESCUDOS / REPÚBLICA PORTUGUESA”
• Engraver: António Marinho.

Reverse

• Legend: “COLOMBO E PORTUGAL”.
• Stylized portrait or representation of Columbus, nautical elements, and the dates 1476 / 1485.
• The rim includes inscriptions and details on composition and authorship.

Edge

• Reeded (striated).

Technical Specifications (Main Variants)

There are two major variants of this issue:

1. Cupronickel – Circulating / Commemorative

• Metal: Cupronickel.
• Weight: approx. 21 g.
• Diameter: 36 mm.
• Thickness: ~2.8 mm.
• Mintage: approx. 1,500,000 pieces.

2. Silver 0.925 – Collector’s Version

• Metal: Sterling silver (0.925).
• Weight: 26.5 g.
• Diameter: 36 mm.
• Listed as KM#658a in numismatic catalogues.
• Higher intrinsic and collector value.

Numismatic Value — Current Market Overview

Actual prices vary depending on variant, condition, and market demand.

Cupronickel (common circulation issue)

• Circulated pieces:
  Typically €1 to €5 in Portuguese online marketplaces (OLX, eBay, local shops).
• UNC / uncirculated:
  Usually around €3 to €10, especially if kept in protective packaging.

Silver Version (0.925)

• Considerably more valuable.
• Common sale range: €20–40+, depending on silver price, condition, and presentation (capsule, certificate, box).

Practical Summary

• Cupronickel, circulated: €1–5
• Cupronickel, UNC: €3–10
• Silver 0.925: €20–40 or more

Rarity and Collector Interest

• The cupronickel issue is common, due to high mintage.
• The silver issue and any proof/collector packaging versions are far more desirable and command higher prices.

How to Identify and Evaluate Your Coin

1. Metal and weight:
   – ~21 g for cupronickel
   – ~26.5 g for silver
2. Check engraver and legends:
   Look for “A. Marinho”, “REPÚBLICA PORTUGUESA”, “COLOMBO E PORTUGAL”, the dates 1476–1485, and “1991 / 200 ESCUDOS”.
3. Edge: Must be reeded.
4. Condition: Evaluate using the classical grading scale (VG/F/VF/EF/AU/UNC/Proof).
5. Variant: Confirm catalogue number (KM#658 for cupronickel, KM#658a for silver).

Tips for Selling or Buying

• Cupronickel coins are common; best sold in lots or to thematic collectors.
• Silver version sells best when original packaging or certificate is included.
• Compare recent listings on local platforms to get a realistic price.
• Clear front and back photos help maximize value.

Conclusion

The 200 Escudos (1991) — “Columbus and Portugal” coin is a notable part of the Portuguese Discoveries series.
The cupronickel version is common and low-value, whereas the silver edition and any UNC/proof examples hold greater collector value. Checking metal, condition, and presentation is key to determining a fair market price today.