500 Réis - João IV (Countermarked 400 Réis) ND (1663) front 500 Réis - João IV (Countermarked 400 Réis) ND (1663) back
500 Réis - João IV (Countermarked 400 Réis) ND (1663) photo
© Heritage Auctions

500 Réis - João IV Countermarked 400 Réis ND

1663 year
Silver - 38 mm
Description
Issuer
Brazil
Type
Standard circulation coin
Year
1663
Value
500 Réis
Currency
Real (1654-1799)
Composition
Silver
Diameter
38 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-04
References
Numista
N#16876
Rarity index
93%

Reverse

Script: Latin

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the 500 Réis - João IV (Countermarked 400 Réis) ND (1663) silver coin from Brazil is that it was issued during a time of great economic and political change in the country. The coin was minted in 1663, just a few years after the Portuguese crown had taken control of the Brazilian colonies from the Dutch, who had occupied them for several decades. The coin's design features the image of King João IV of Portugal, who ruled from 1640 to 1656, and the countermark of 400 Réis was added later to indicate that the coin had been revalued to half its original value. This coin is a unique piece of history that reflects the complex and dynamic nature of Brazil's colonial past.