Portugal Azores 75, 150 and 300 Reis 1794 to 1798

The Azores, an archipelago in the middle of the Atlancic, have been known since the 13th century and the islands were first settled in the mid 15th century by the Portuguese. Apart from a purge in 1583 and some civil wars around 1640, the Azores have a rather peaceful history.

These coins were struck in silver in the late 18th century under Maria I of Portugal, who reigned as queen from 1777 to 1799. The obverse inscription of 'PORT ET ALG' translates into 'Portugal and Algeria', while the reverse inscription 'IN HOC SIGNO VINCES' is a Latin phrase meaning 'in this sign you will counquer'. It was, according to legend, the words Constantine the Great saw in the sky along with the symbol of the cross before a major battle which then turned out in his favor.

Minted in different denominations of 75, 150 and 300 reis, the coins can be told apart not only by size and weight, but also by the number to the left of the crowned arms. The date can be found to the right of the arms. These coins can be quite valuable, as listed below:

75 REIS:
worn: $20 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $75
well preserved: $135
fully uncirculated: $220

150 REIS:
worn: $25
average circulated: $115
well preserved: $200
fully uncirculated: $280
150 reis dated 1795 are slightly more common and catalog at $65 when average circulated, and at $215 when fully uncirculated.
150 reis dated 1797 have been reported, but not confirmed to exist. Such a coin would be extremely valuable if found to be genuine.

300 REIS:
worn: $33
average circulated: $85
well preserved: $175
fully uncirculated: $220
300 reis dated 1797 are slightly scarcer and catalog at $140 when average circulated, and at $300 when fully unciculated

Any coin with damage will be worth much less than the values cited above. Please read our Important Terminology page found at the top left in order to properly interpret the catalog values used on this page.
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