note: extra large coin

Portugal 10 Réis {1840-1853} 

Maria II

FEATURING 
front: Crowned ornate coat of arms of Portugal {5 Quinas} 

Lettering: M A R I A + II + D E I + G R A T I A

After the official recognition of the Kingdom of Portugal as an independent country in 1143, 5 silver bezants were added to the blue cross of the shield, symbolising coins and the right of the monarch to issue currency.

Late explanations interpret them as the five wounds of Jesus Christ, also a traditional legend explains that these escutcheons represent the five moor kings defeated by King Afonso I of Portugal in the battle of Ourique.

From the fixation of the number of bezants in five, each of the escutcheons of the Portuguese shield became popularly referred as a quina (quincunx). By synecdoche, the term "Five Quinas" or simply the "Quinas" came to be used.

The golden castles surrounding the quoins supposedly represent the Moorish castles conquered by the Kingdom of Portugal during the Reconquista. Their origin is probably Castilian.

back: Value within wreath

Lettering:
PORTUGALIÆ·ET·ALGARBIORUM·REGINA
X

• quantity 1
• demonetized {no longer in circulation} polished Copper coin
• diameter: 31 mm
• weight: 12.75 g

CHOOSE FROM DROP DOWN MENU 
• 21” bronze link chain with lobster clasp {4x6 mm links}
• no chain or cord
• 2-1/2" brass snake keychain with snap end {see last photo} 

<please like me on>
facebook.com/coinedJewelry
instagram.com/coinedJewelry
twitter.com/coinedJewelry
pinterest.com/coinedJewelry
tumblr.com/blog/coinedJewelry

Portugal Portuguese jewelry coin pendant necklace 5 Quinas castles Lisboa Oporto Sintra Braga Quincunx cross Coimbra Évora Faro Santa Maria de Belém Douro River Mirandese Iberia Castilian Vila Nova de Gaia Guimarães Pena Palace castle Algarve Praia da Marinha Lisbon Porto Vasco da Gama age of discovery seas atlantic ocean ship anchor caravela carrack

facebook.com/coinedJewelry instagram.com/coinedJewelry twitter.com/coinedJewelry pinterest.com/coinedJewelry tumblr.com/blog/coinedJewelry