3 Reais "L-3 or 3-L" - Sebastião I ND (1557-1578) front 3 Reais "L-3 or 3-L" - Sebastião I ND (1557-1578) back
3 Reais "L-3 or 3-L" - Sebastião I ND (1557-1578) photo
Obverse © A.Monge da Silva (CC0)

3 Reais "L-3 or 3-L" - Sebastião I ND

 
Copper 3.7 g 25 mm
Description
Issuer
Portugal
King
Sebastian (Sebastião) (1557-1578)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1557-1578
Value
3 Réis (Reais)
Currency
Real (1517-1835)
Composition
Copper
Weight
3.7 g
Diameter
25 mm
Thickness
1 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Orientation
Variable alignment ↺
Demonetized
1566
Updated
2024-10-07
References
Numista
N#61667
Rarity index
81%

Reverse

Royal Portuguese crowned shield. On the left we can see a "L" which means the coin was made in Lisbon. On the right a "3" which is the coin value.

Script: Latin

Lettering: L. 3.

Comment


Interesting fact

The interesting fact about this coin is that it was minted during the reign of King Sebastian I of Portugal, who was known for his ambitious military campaigns and his attempt to conquer Morocco. Despite his military endeavors, Sebastian's reign was marked by financial difficulties, and this coin was minted as a cost-saving measure, using copper instead of the more valuable silver or gold. Despite its humble composition, the coin remains a valuable piece of Portuguese history and a testament to the country's resilience during times of economic hardship.