Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 1 Pataca 1968-1975, KM# 6, Macau
  • 1 Pataca 1968-1975, KM# 6, Macau
Description

Macau was formerly a colony of the Portuguese Empire, after Ming China leased the territory as a trading post in 1557. Originally governing under Chinese authority and sovereignty, Portugal was given perpetual occupation rights for Macau in 1887. Macau remained under Portuguese control until 1999, when it was returned to China.

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms (1951-1976), the name of colony and value in Portuguese and Cantonese.

The coats of arms of the Portuguese colonies were introduced in 1935. All arms were of the same model: divided vertically in such a way that two sub-shields are formed. The dexter was white with five small blue shields each bearing five white discs (i.e. Cinco Quinas, Five Quinas representing the motherland). The sinister represented the colony. The colonial sub-shields for Angola depicted the Chinese holding a single Quin. In the base green and white waves to indicate the overseas location. To complete the badge, the arms were set upon a golden armillary sphere with a golden mural crown. The crown had 5 apparent towers in each tower charged an armillary sphere and in each space between towers charged Christ’s cross.

Engraver: Marcelino Norte de Almeida

⋆ MACAU ⋆
壹 澳
圓 門
⋆ 1 PATACA ⋆
CASA DA MOEDA
M. NORTE SCULP.

Reverse

Depicts Portuguese escutcheon on upon a golden armillary sphere, name of country above, 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.

REPUBLICA · PORTUGUESA
1975

Edge

1 Pataca

KM# 6 Schön# 7
Characteristics
Material Nickel
Weight 10.6 g
Diameter 28.5 mm
Thickness 2.3 mm
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Mint
Portuguese Mint and Official Printing Office (INCM)

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