note: extra-large coin

Portugal 50 Escudos {1986-2001} 26S

FEATURING
front: A ship or stylized boat at sail with four fishes below

back: coat of arms {5 Quinas}

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.

• quantity 1
• demonetized {no longer in circulation} polished Copper-nickel coin
• diameter: 31 mm
• weight: 9.5 g

CHOOSE FROM DROP DOWN MENU
• 24" stainless steel ball chain {2.5mm thick, lightweight 5 g}
• no chain or cord
• 1-1/8" stainless steel keychain with 30 mm ring {see last photo}

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