Introduction
The 200 Escudos (1998) commemorative coin dedicated to Vasco da Gama is part of the series celebrating the Portuguese Discoveries. It marks the first voyage from Lisbon to Calicut (1497–1498). It is a relatively modern piece and quite well known among collectors of Portuguese Republican-period coins.
Technical Specifications
- Year: 1998
- Face value: 200 escudos
- Composition: Copper-nickel (cupronickel)
- Weight: 21.1 g
- Diameter: 36 mm
- Thickness: approx. 2.8 mm
- Edge: Reeded
- Catalog / KM number: Commonly referenced as KM#709
Design and Symbolism
- Obverse: Bust of Vasco da Gama facing right, with an inscription referring to his voyage: "PRIMEIRA VIAGEM LISBOA — CALECUTE · 8 JULHO 1497 – 20 MAIO 1498" and the name Vasco da Gama beside the portrait. Some pieces show the signature of the designer (e.g., S. Machado / INCM).
- Reverse: The inscription REPUBLICA PORTUGUESA, the value 200 esc in the center, the national coat of arms, and the depiction of ships evoking the maritime route to India. The year 1998 appears at the bottom.
Mintage and Variants
This is a circulating commemorative coin (not bimetallic), produced in cupronickel like other coins in the Discoveries series. While Portugal issued precious-metal commemoratives in other programs (silver, gold, platinum), the most common 1998 Vasco da Gama issue on the market is the standard copper-nickel version. Variants and special issues can be confirmed in numismatic catalogs.
Numismatic Value (Market Range)
The coin’s value depends heavily on its state of preservation:
- Circulated examples: Very common and typically priced at around €2–€6 in shops and online listings.
- Uncirculated / “UNC” (mint state): Can reach around €4–€12, depending on luster and lack of marks.
- Proof / collector sets in precious metals: When part of proof sets or issued in silver/gold within special programs, prices can be substantially higher and vary widely depending on rarity, metal, and market demand.
Note: Market prices can fluctuate based on demand, seller, and venue. Auctions may produce higher or lower results compared to fixed-price sales.
How to Assess, Buy, or Sell
- Condition is key: Look for original luster, absence of scratches, and no abrasive cleaning marks.
- Consider proof sets or precious-metal issues: These are more valuable and of interest to advanced collectors.
- Check references: Consult catalogs (e.g., Numista, KM Standard Catalog) and compare recent listings or auction results to understand current market pricing.
Conclusion
The 200 Escudos (1998) — Vasco da Gama is a representative piece from Portugal’s Discoveries series, with moderate numismatic value in typical conditions. It is affordable and historically appealing for casual collectors, while higher-grade examples, proofs, or precious-metal variants offer greater investment interest for specialized collectors.
