Obverse © A.Monge da Silva (CC0)
Obverse © A.Monge da Silva (CC0)
1 Real of 3½ Libras - João I Lisbon ND
| Billon (.083 silver) | 3 g | 26 mm |
| Issuer | Portugal |
|---|---|
| King | John I (João I) (1383-1433) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1398-1408 |
| Value | 3.5 Libras = 70 Soldos = 840 Dinheiros |
| Currency | Libra (2nd Dinasty, 1383-1415) |
| Composition | Billon (.083 silver) |
| Weight | 3 g |
| Diameter | 26 mm |
| Thickness | 0.8 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-07 |
| Numista | N#40254 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 82% |
Reverse
Script: Latin (uncial)
Lettering:
ADIVTORIVM NOSTRVM QVI
(Many variations known)
Lettering (regular font):
ADIVTORIVM NOSTRVM QVI
(MANY VARIATIONS KNOWN)
Edge
Plain
Comment
Until 1398 the counting coin was the "Real of 10 Soldos"= ½ £. Due to the the inflation a new coin was created with a value 7x bigger, the "Real of 3½ £.The "Secret symbols" are small marks at any part of the coin that, we believe, are to identify the "fornaça"(Team maker) or (and) the metal composition. There are more than 200 different marks known.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Standard circulation coin 1 Real of 3½ Libras - João I (Lisbon) ND (1398-1408) from Portugal is that it was made of Billon, which is an alloy of copper and silver, but contains only 0.083 silver. This means that the coin was not made of pure silver, but rather a combination of metals. This is an interesting fact because it highlights the historical use of alternative metals in coinage, and how different societies have used various materials to create currency.
