1. Historical Context
The 100 escudos (100 $00) coin of Portugal was one of the highest denominations in regular circulation under the escudo system before the euro adoption. The escudo was the national currency of Portugal until February 28, 2002, when it was withdrawn from circulation after the euro was introduced.
The year 2000 falls within the production period of this coin (1989–2001), a series quite common in circulation.
2. Physical and Minting Characteristics
Specifications of the 100 escudos 2000 coin:
- Denomination: 100 escudos
- Year: 2000
- Composition: Bimetallic — bronze-aluminium core with a cupronickel ring
- Weight: ~8.3 grams
- Diameter: 25.5 mm
- Thickness: ~2.5 mm
- Edge: Segmented reeding (alternating smooth and serrated sections)
- Coin alignment: Coin alignment (↑↓)
- Mint: Imprensa Nacional – Casa da Moeda, Lisbon
- Mintage: Approximately 6,813,000 coins for the year 2000
3. Design and Symbolism
Obverse (front):
- Features the Coat of Arms of Portugal
- Inscription: “REPUBLICA PORTUGUESA” and “100 ESCUDOS 2000”
- Engraver: José Cândido
Reverse (back):
- Portrait of Pedro Nunes (1502‑1578), mathematician and cosmographer, facing left
- Inscriptions: “PEDRO NUNES” and “E U R O P A”
- Also includes “incm JOSÉ CÂNDIDO,” referencing the engraver and mint
4. Demonization and Circulation
- The coin was demonetized on February 28, 2002, with the introduction of the euro
- Despite being a high-denomination coin, it was not particularly rare at the time due to the large mintage
5. Numismatic Value
For collectors, the details are interesting:
- Mintage and rarity
- Over 6.8 million coins were minted in 2000, but not all are in uncirculated or excellent condition
- Market values
- Coins in uncirculated (UNC) condition are valued at around US$ 1.90
- Numismatic catalogs describe it as a common circulation coin with standard technical specifications
- Some online listings show it for around €5.00 for verified authentic coins
- Factors affecting value
- Condition: Mint state or uncirculated coins are significantly more valuable than heavily circulated ones
- Demand: Relatively recent and widely minted, so collector demand is moderate, mostly from those specializing in Portuguese coins or escudos
- Varieties: Edge variations (“segments of reeds”) can attract specialized collectors
6. Collector Considerations
- Accessibility: Affordable for many collectors and relatively easy to find in good condition
- Investment potential: Limited growth in value due to its commonness, but a solid addition to a pre-euro Portuguese coin collection
- Verification: Check authenticity (weight, diameter, bimetallic composition, segmented edge) and condition before purchase
7. Conclusion
The 100 escudos coin from Portugal, year 2000, is interesting historically and numismatically. It represents the final phase of the escudo before the euro and honors one of Portugal’s greatest scientists, Pedro Nunes. With millions minted, it is not exceptionally rare, but it appeals to collectors, especially in good condition.
