1. Historical context

The bronze centavo series (1917–1922) was minted during the First Portuguese Republic, a period marked by significant political and economic instability after 1910. The 1918 1 centavo coin belongs to this common circulation issue established by the law of April 21, 1917, with mintages continuing until the mid-1920s.

2. Technical characteristics (specifications)

• Year: 1918 (the series includes coins dated 1917 to 1922)
• Metal: Bronze (commercial alloy, mostly copper with small percentages of other metals)
• Diameter: 19 mm
• Weight: approx. 3.0 g
• Thickness: about 1.6 mm
• Edge: plain
• Orientation: medal alignment
  These specifications appear in both Portuguese and international coin catalogues.

3. Design / obverse and reverse

• Obverse: features the large numeral “1” with the circular legend “REPUBLICA PORTUGUESA”, and the date “1918” at the bottom.
• Reverse: displays the Portuguese coat of arms (shield) over an armillary sphere, with a beaded border, a typical motif of the Republic’s iconography. The engraver is listed in catalogue sources.

4. Mintage

The entire 1917–1921 series totals tens of millions of pieces. Specifically, the mintage for 1918 was very high: 22,996,000 coins struck that year. (The total production for all dates 1917–1921 is around 43 million.) These numbers make the 1918 coin a relatively common piece in general collections.

5. Varieties and errors

Collectors often note a few varieties:

• Worn dies producing weak lettering or less defined details
• Die cracks creating incomplete legends or linear marks

These varieties may appeal to error-coin collectors and can slightly increase value if the features are clear and visually interesting.

6. Condition and typical grades

As with all common coins, the main factor influencing price is its state of preservation:

• Circulated (Good, Fine) often darkened bronze with noticeable wear; low price
• Above average (VF / XF) clearer legends and date; moderate price
• Very good / almost uncirculated (AU / UNC) coins with original lustre and minimal wear; clearly higher value

Exceptional examples with attractive toning or in strict uncirculated condition can command significantly higher prices in online listings and auctions.

7. Numismatic value practical price ranges

The 1918 1 centavo coin is generally inexpensive for collectors. Here is a realistic guide based on listings and marketplace catalogues (approximate values that may vary with the market):

• Heavily circulated (poor to fair): about €0.50 to €3
• Average to good condition (VF / XF): about €2 to €6
• High grade / almost uncirculated (AU / UNC): commonly €10 to €25 or more depending on toning and demand
• Exceptional specimens, rare errors, or proof-like/UNC presentation pieces: can exceed these values in specialized auctions

Portuguese online shops and marketplaces (OLX, eBay, collector stores) show high availability at low prices, confirming that this is a common but collectible coin when well preserved.

Catalogue references (Numista, NGC/NumisMaster, Alberto Gomes catalogue / KM# 565) provide technical and historical support. For evaluating a specific coin, condition (grading), rarity of the variety, and current demand are the deciding factors.

8. How to evaluate your coin practical steps

• Cleaning: never clean the coin with abrasives; this destroys patina and greatly reduces value.
• Identification: confirm year, edge, weight, and diameter; compare with the specs above.
• Photography: take sharp photos of both sides; for selling, show close details of the date and any marks or errors.
• Basic grading: check lustre, wear on main features (numeral “1”, coat of arms), scratches, and corrosion.
• Market check: compare with recent listings for the same year and condition (OLX, coin shops, auctions).

9. Buying and selling recommendations

• Buying: choose reputable sellers with recent photos; a decent example usually costs only a few euros.
• Selling: good photography and an honest description (condition, varieties, defects) help a lot; expect modest prices unless the piece is in excellent condition.
• Varieties/errors: if you have a coin showing a visible die crack or incomplete legend, consider asking a specialist or a numismatic forum before setting a price.

10. Conclusion

The 1918 1 centavo coin is a representative piece of the First Portuguese Republic: small, bronze, with a large mintage (≈ 22,996,000 in 1918) and widely available on the collector market. It’s a solid entry coin for beginners thanks to its low price, though high-grade examples or those with interesting varieties remain sought after and hold higher value within their niche.