The 5 Réis 1882 Coin of Portugal – Informative Overview and Numismatic Value

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The 5 Réis 1882 Coin of Portugal – Informative Overview and Numismatic Value

The 5 Réis (V Réis) coin from 1882 belongs to the reign of King Luís I of Portugal, who ruled from 1861 to 1889.

The 5 Réis (V Réis) coin from 1882 belongs to the reign of King Luís I of Portugal, who ruled from 1861 to 1889.

  • Metal / Composition: bronze.
  • Weight: approximately 2.8 g.
  • Diameter: about 20.5 mm.
  • Thickness (approx.): ~1.2 mm.
  • Edge: smooth / plain.
  • Mint: Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Mintage (number minted): 5,200,000 units for 1882.

Design and Appearance

  • The obverse shows the portrait of King Luís I facing left, with the legend “D · LUIZ · I · REI · DE · PORTUGAL”.
  • The reverse displays the denomination “V REIS” and the year “1882”, within a wreath of flowers/leaves.
  • The coin alignment is “coin alignment ↑↓”.

This coin is part of a series minted between 1882 and 1886.

Historically, bronze 5 Réis coins marked the transition — under Luís I — in Portugal’s decimal currency system, and they were widely circulated at the time.


Demonetization and Historical Value

Like many coins from the old Real/Réis system in Portugal, the 1882 5 Réis coin is no longer legal tender.

However, it holds numismatic and historical interest: it represents the Portuguese monarchy era, King Luís I, and the pre-escudo monetary system. Therefore, it is a collectible item — especially for those interested in 19th-century coins or monetary transitions.


Numismatic Value and Market (Indicative)

The market value of a coin like the 1882 5 Réis depends heavily on its condition (grade). Minor differences in wear, cleaning, shine, or integrity significantly affect the price.

According to reference catalogs:

  • Circulated / common condition: approximately $0.25–$0.30 USD.
  • Better preserved states (e.g., XF – “Extremely Fine”): around $3.70 USD (or higher depending on market demand).
  • Rare, almost uncirculated coins may fetch even higher values.

In euros, considering current exchange rates and collector markets, typical offers are €2–€5 for coins in fair to good condition.

Note: These values are indicative. Numismatic prices vary with rarity, collector interest, and provenance.


Historical and Collectible Importance — Why Collect This Coin

  • Represents Portugal’s monetary transition in the 19th century.
  • Features a monarch — King Luís I — making it a tangible piece of Portuguese royal history.
  • Made of bronze with a relatively high mintage, so it is not extremely rare — but well-preserved examples are scarce, increasing collectible value.
  • Useful for numismatists to study minting techniques, coin evolution, circulation, and preservation of 19th-century coins.

For collectors of old Portuguese coins, especially from the monarchy and the decimal transition period, the 1882 5 Réis coin is an interesting, accessible, and historically significant piece.


5 Réis 1882 de Portuga
5 Réis 1882 de Portuga