Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 50 Centavos 1969-1979, KM# 596, Portugal
  • 50 Centavos 1969-1979, KM# 596, Portugal
Description

Engraver: Marcelino Norte de Almeida

Obverse

Depicts the Five Quinas, Portuguese shield's elements, surrounded by the country name. Date below.

The coat of arms of Portugal is popularly referred as the Cinco Quinas (Five Quinas) or simply the Quinas (a quina being each of the five escutcheons in form of a cross with five bezants of the Portuguese shield). In the late 14th century, the number of bezants was fixed in five. Late explanations interpret them as the five wounds of Jesus Christ. The shield resting in front is composed of seven golden castles, which represent the Moorish castles conquered during the Reconquista. Behind the shield is an armillary sphere, which was a navigational instrument, and symbolizes Portugal's importance during the Age of Discovery.

REPVBLICA PORTVGVESA
1979

Reverse

Five ears of wheat underneath the facial value. Engraver's name below.

50
CENTAVOS
M NORTE

Edge

50 Centavos

KM# 596
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D. D.  
Characteristics
Material Bronze
Weight 4.25 g
Diameter 22.5 mm
Thickness 1.5 mm
Shape round
Alignment Coin

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