The 5 Réis coin from 1910 belongs to the reign of King Manuel II, the last king of Portugal, who ruled between 1908 and 1910.
It is identified in international numismatic catalogs as KM #555.
Physical and Technical Characteristics
- Metal / Composition: Bronze (Cu 960 + Sn 20 + Zn 20)
- Weight: 3 g
- Diameter: 21 mm
- Shape: Round, mechanically struck
- Edge: Smooth
Design and Legend
Obverse
Shows the bust of King Manuel II facing left, surrounded by a beaded circle.
The Latin legend reads: “EMANVEL·II·PORTVG: ET·ALGARB: REX” and the date 1910.
The engraver is Valâncio Alves.
Reverse
Displays the value “5 RÉIS” in two lines at the center, surrounded by a wreath with laurel and oak branches, again framed by a beaded border.
Mintage / Production
The mintage for the 5 Réis in 1910 was 1,000,000 coins.
It was struck at the Portuguese Mint (Casa da Moeda) in Lisbon.
This coin was issued during the final months of the Portuguese monarchy — shortly before the proclamation of the Republic on October 5, 1910 — which makes it an important historical piece.
Numismatic Value
A coin’s market value depends primarily on its state of preservation. For the 5 Réis 1910, typical reference values are:
| Grade of Preservation | Approx. Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Good / Very Good — heavily worn | ~2.00 USD |
| Fine / Very Fine — moderate wear | ~2.90–3.80 USD |
| Extremely Fine / Almost Uncirculated — light wear | ~5.40–9.40 USD |
Uncirculated (UNC / FDC) examples can reach the higher end of the scale — around 9.40 USD or more.
In Portugal, prices for circulated examples often begin at just a few euros.
Factors Influencing Value
- Overall preservation
- Presence of original patina
- Sharpness and quality of the strike
- Market demand among collectors
- Historical context — as one of the last coins issued before the fall of the monarchy
Historical Importance
- The 5 Réis 1910 belongs to the final group of coins minted under the Portuguese monarchy and under the traditional Réis monetary system.
- It portrays King Manuel II, the last Portuguese monarch, adding historical interest.
- As a regular circulation coin, it represents daily economic life at the very end of the monarchy, making it appealing to both beginner and advanced collectors.
Tips for Collectors
- Always request detailed photos (obverse, reverse, and edge) before acquiring a coin.
- Avoid harsh cleaning — this can greatly reduce the numismatic value.
- Check authenticity, strike quality, and any potential damage or alterations.
- For historical sets, consider pairing this coin with others from the Manuel II reign or with coins from 1900–1911 for a full transition-era collection.
