Numismatics, the science that studies coins and medals, has gained increasingly more followers in Portugal, attracting both collectors and investors. The value of ancient coins depends on several factors, such as the number of specimens minted, the state of conservation and any manufacturing defects. Coins in high states of conservation, such as Proof, Superb and Brilliant, are considered good investments with guaranteed returns.
The most valuable and rare coin of the Portuguese Republic is the 1 cent coin of 1922, in bronze, valued between €60,000 and €85,000. Only six specimens of this type have been properly identified, and one of them was sold at auction in 2006 for €85,000, the highest value ever recorded for a Portuguese coin of this period.
Among the other most valuable coins are the 50 cent coin of 1925 in bronze-aluminium (up to €7,500), the 20 cent coin of 1922 in smaller module (up to €3,500), and the 1 escudo coin of 1935 in alpaca (up to €10,000). Coins with manufacturing errors, such as those in smaller module, meaning with a diameter smaller than intended, fetch high prices in the market.
For those who have ancient coins at home and wish to know their value, the recommendation is to consult numismatic experts or the National Mint (Imprensa Nacional Casa da Moeda), who can provide reliable evaluations and help identify rare pieces that may be worth small fortunes.
