Banco de Portugal alerted that no one is obligated to accept more than 50 current euro coins in a single payment. This rule means that a store can refuse a payment from the 51st coin onwards, regardless of the total value presented by the customer, since the limit is calculated by the number of units and not by the purchase amount. For example, a merchant can refuse 51 one-cent coins corresponding to only 51 cents, or 51 two-euro coins that would total 102 euros.
The rule is provided for in Decree-Law No. 246/2007, of June 26, which establishes the legal regime for the issuance, minting, circulation, and commercialization of coinage. The decree determines that current coins are legal tender and have liberatory power, but no one is obligated to receive more than 50 coins in a single payment. This information is also available in Banco de Portugal's frequently asked questions.
However, there are exceptions to this limitation. The State, through the Treasury cash desks, the Banco de Portugal itself, and credit institutions whose activity consists of receiving deposits from the public are not covered by this restriction. Even so, in the case of bank deposits, there may be specific procedures and fees associated with processing large quantities of coins.
The 50-coin limit should not be confused with the general prohibition applicable to cash payments of amounts equal to or exceeding 3,000 euros, provided for in Law No. 92/2017, of August 22. This restriction covers all physical money, including banknotes and coins, being a separate and independent rule.
