Friday, September 12, 2008

A special commemorative coin from Portugal


Portugal issued this beautiful coin in 1898. It was issued to commemorate the 4th centenary (400 years) of Discovery of New Sea Route to India. It was a very big and special event for not only Portugal and India but also for the whole world.
In 1453, the turks conquered the Constantinople, which was the main route of trade between asian and european countries. This route of trade with Asia was then closed by them. So, the need arose for Europeans to discover the new sea-routes to the East. After many severe efforts by sailors of different countries, Vasco-da-Gama of Portugal discovered this route in 1498. He reached the port of Calicut on the eastern coast of India.
To commemorate the 400th anniversary in 1898, coins were issued. These silver coins were issued in four denominations 1000 Ries, 500Ries, 200 Ries and 100 Ries. On obverse there is a double portrait of King Carlos I with Queen Amelia. And a cross on reverse with a dot in each pellet of cross, with event, year and denomination around it.

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