The 200 Escudos coin minted in 1995 commemorates the Golden Age of Portuguese Discoveries with a focus on Australia, a significant chapter in maritime exploration history.

With a diameter of 36 millimeters and weighing approximately 31.12 grams, the 200 Escudos coin strikes a balance between heft and practicality, offering a tangible representation of Portugal's historic exploration efforts.

Minted in limited quantity to commemorate the Golden Age of Portuguese Discoveries with a focus on Australia, the coin is highly sought after by collectors. Each coin is uniquely numbered, enhancing its rarity and collectability.

In the center, an allegory composed by, to the left, the national coat of arms, to the right a armillary sphere on the upper edge a pearly semicircle, below the coat of arms the date 1995, in the exergue the face value 200 escudos, below near the rim the legend "Republica Portuguesa", on the edge smooth circle.

Allegory presenting in the center the outline of the map of Australia with a profile view of the Australian coast overlaid with three Portuguese caravels represented in different sizes in a view of distancing sailing east along the coast, below them to the right the dates in two lines “1522-1525”, on the upper edge a pearly semicircle, in the exergue the legend separated by dots Australia.

Flanked to the left edge the initials of the imprensa nacional casa da moeda incm, flanked to the right edge the signatures of the authors "Isabel Branco" (Isabel Carriço and Fernando Branco), on the edge smooth circle.

More details

The 200 Escudos coin commemorating the Golden Age of Portuguese Discoveries with a focus on Australia serves as a tangible reminder of Portugal's illustrious maritime history and its role in shaping the course of global exploration. Its exquisite craftsmanship, symbolic design, and limited mintage make it a prized addition to any numismatic collection, honoring the spirit of adventure and discovery that defined this remarkable era.

History

In 1522, Portuguese explorer Jorge de Meneses embarked on a pioneering journey that would leave an indelible mark on the history of Australia. Sailing under the banner of the Portuguese Crown, Meneses set out on an expedition to chart unknown territories in the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean.

Meneses voyage was part of a larger effort by Portuguese navigators to expand their maritime empire and establish trade routes to the lucrative spice markets of the East Indies. The Portuguese had long been leaders in exploration, spurred on by the pioneering spirit of Prince Henry the Navigator and the discoveries of Vasco da Gama and Pedro Álvares Cabral.

Arriving on the shores of Australia in 1522, Meneses became one of the first Europeans to encounter the continent. His expedition mapped significant portions of the Australian coastline, providing valuable information for future explorers and navigators.

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The Portuguese presence in Australia during this period had far-reaching implications. Although Meneses' expedition did not lead to permanent settlements or significant interactions with indigenous populations, it laid the groundwork for future European exploration and colonization of the continent.

The arrival of the Portuguese in Australia also highlighted the interconnectedness of the early modern world. Portuguese navigators, driven by the quest for trade and exploration, traversed vast distances and connected distant lands and cultures. Their voyages reshaped global trade routes, fostered cultural exchange, and laid the foundations for the modern world.

Despite their early presence in Australia, Portuguese influence in the region waned in the following centuries. Other European powers, notably the Dutch and the British, would eventually dominate the exploration and colonization of Australia.

Nevertheless, the contributions of Portuguese explorers like Jorge de Meneses to the history of Australia are significant and enduring. Their expeditions opened up new frontiers, expanded the known world, and paved the way for the modern age of exploration and discovery. Today, the legacy of these intrepid adventurers lives on, commemorated in the annals of history and celebrated as part of Australia rich maritime heritage.

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In this post all photos and text are authored by @portugalcoin!

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