Half escudo of John V of Portugal

April 10, 2026 Peter

A detectorist signing himself as Pete asked for a valuation on the coin pictured here in order to pass on a figure to a farmer. The coin was described as a gold half escudo and dated to 1733.

The coin will measure 17mm in diameter and is a half escudo or 800 reis piece of John V (1706-50) of Portugal. John also ruled over Brazil and that is where this coin was struck.

In Brazil mints operated in Rio de Janeiro, Bahia and at Villa Rica, the latter situated in Minas Gerais (an area of General Mines). On Pete’s find the letter M over the date stands for Minas Gerais.

Pete had dated the coin to 1733 but it is not clear on the coin, especially the second digit. This might be due to a die sinker’s error but is more likely to be because the date had been altered in a die that was still serviceable.

A huge amount of gold was mined in Brazil during the 18^th century. It has been said that most counties in the world had Brazilian gold in the currency they issued. Due to the very large numbers struck, examples of gold coins made in Portugal or Brazil are not particularly unusual as detecting finds in the UK.

Valuation

The price of gold on the international market has increased significantly over recent weeks. When it was issued this coin should weigh 1.79 grams, of which 1.641 grams would be pure gold so Pete’s find would presently be worth £185 as a piece of gold bullion.

The coin would grade about Fine and does not appear to have any defects. In its present condition I would suggest a price range of £200-250.