The 1998 Portugal 200 Escudos coin commemorates the historic events surrounding Mozambique in 1498.

Observe

At the center, the national coat of arms, below which is a representation of a Triton carrying Dione over waves, symbolizing the mythology from Canto II of "Os Lusíadas". Next to the coat of arms is the year 1998, with the inscription "Républica Portuguesa" along the top rim, and the face value "200 ESC" in the exergue. The edge of the coin is smooth.

Reverse

The allegory consists of a representation of the island of Mozambique in the upper left field, prominently featuring a Portuguese ship on the right and an Indian Ocean sailboat in the lower left, both navigating on waves. The top rim bears the legend "Moçambique", while the exergue displays "2 de Março", with the date 1498 below it. Along the left edge is the name of the author, Eloisa Byrne and on the right are the initials of the Imprensa Nacional Casa da Moeda "INCM".

More details

History

On March 2nd 1498, Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama arrived at the island of Mozambique during his historic voyage to India. This pivotal event marked the beginning of Portuguese influence in Mozambique and the wider region of East Africa.

Vasco da Gama expedition was part of Portugal ambitious efforts to establish direct trade routes with Asia, bypassing the established overland routes controlled by Arab and Venetian traders. Setting sail from Lisbon, V.Gama commanded a fleet of four ships, aiming to reach the lucrative spice markets of India.

After navigating around the Cape of Good Hope and across the Indian Ocean, V.Gama fleet encountered Mozambiqu off the eastern coast of Africa. This strategic location served as a vital port of call for Portuguese ships traveling to and from India, providing a safe harbor for restocking supplies and conducting trade.

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Upon reaching Mozambique, V.Gama and his crew encountered local inhabitants, establishing diplomatic relations and negotiating trade agreements. The Portuguese presence in Mozambique laid the foundation for subsequent colonization efforts in the region, leading to the establishment of Portuguese trading posts and settlements along the East African coast.

The arrival of the Portuguese had a profound impact on Mozambique, shaping its history, culture and economy for centuries to come. Portuguese influence introduced new crops, technologies, and cultural exchanges, while also sparking conflicts with indigenous peoples and other European powers vying for control of East Africa.

The significance of March 2nd 1498, lies in its role as a milestone in the history of Portuguese exploration and expansion, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Mozambique's history and its enduring ties to Portugal. This date symbolizes the intersection of cultures, trade routes, and historical forces that continue to shape the identity and trajectory of Mozambique to this day.

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