The Portuguese 200 Escudos coin, minted in 1995, is a commemorative piece dedicated to King João II, the “Perfect Prince.”
Technical Details
- Denomination: 200 Escudos
- Year: 1995
- Mint: Imprensa Nacional – Casa da Moeda (INCM), Lisbon
- Metal: Cupronickel (copper-nickel) for the standard version
- Weight: approx. 21.1 g
- Diameter: 36.0 mm
- Edge: reeded
- Mintage: 750,000 pieces for the cupronickel version
There are also special editions, such as a silver version (Ag 925) with a much smaller mintage.
Design and Symbolism
- Obverse: Features heraldic elements — the coat of arms of Portugal and João II’s personal arms, along with navigation motifs. The legend reads: “REPUBLICA PORTUGUESA · POLÁ LEI E POLÁ GREI · INCM · 200 ESCUDOS · E. BYRNE”.
- Reverse: Shows a crowned portrait of João II holding a 16th-century caravel — symbolizing Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. The legend reads: “D. JOÃO II · PRÍNCIPE PERFEITO · 1495 · 1995”.
- The coin was engraved by Eloísa Byrne.
The design emphasizes João II’s historical legacy as a key figure in Portuguese maritime exploration.
Historical Context
João II (1455–1495) strengthened Portuguese overseas expansion and the Age of Discoveries. The 1995 coin commemorates the 500th anniversary of his death, highlighting his role in Portugal’s maritime history. This coin is part of a series of commemoratives issued during the late 20th century, before Portugal adopted the Euro.
Numismatic Value
- The standard cupronickel version usually ranges from €0.42 to €2.50, depending on condition (from circulated to uncirculated).
- High-grade uncirculated examples may fetch $5–7 USD.
- The limited silver edition (KM # 673a, 20,000 minted) can be worth $27–32.5 USD, depending on preservation.
- The standard coin is not considered “rare,” given the high mintage, which explains its modest market value.
Condition is key: uncirculated, well-preserved coins are worth significantly more.
Conclusion
The 200 Escudos 1995 — João II coin is of interest historically and for collectors. It blends national symbolism (the “Perfect Prince” and the Age of Discoveries) with a modern commemorative minting. For collectors of Portuguese Escudo coins, it represents a tangible link between medieval history and modern Portugal.
