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The Portugal 2.5 escudos 1965 KM#590 is a remarkable numismatic specimen that provides a glimpse into Portugal's history and monetary system during the mid-20th century. Minted in 1965, this coin carries a rich history, an intricate design, and a tangible connection to Portugal's economic landscape.
During the 1960s, Portugal was navigating a period of significant political and social change. The country was under the authoritarian rule of António de Oliveira Salazar, who served as Prime Minister for several decades. This coin was minted during his regime, and its design reflects the prevailing political ideology.
On the obverse of the coin, you will find a depiction of the Coat of Arms of Portugal, featuring the national shield with five smaller shields, each representing a different region of the country. Above the shield is a five-pointed star, which is a symbol associated with Salazar's Estado Novo regime. This star represents the "Estado Novo" or "New State," which was the official name for the authoritarian regime.
The reverse of the coin displays the denomination "2$50" (2.5 escudos) encircled by decorative elements. The use of "2$50" as the denomination reflects Portugal's traditional currency system, which was based on reais and escudos. During this period, Portugal was gradually transitioning to a decimal-based currency system.
This coin was minted in Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, where the mint had a long tradition of producing high-quality coinage. Skilled artisans and engravers meticulously crafted the coin dies and oversaw the striking process, ensuring that each coin met the highest standards of quality.
The mintage of the Portugal 2.5 escudos 1965 coin is a significant factor in its historical and numismatic value. While precise mintage figures may vary, it is known that these coins were produced in relatively large quantities. This was necessary to meet the demands of everyday commerce and the circulation of small denomination coins.
With a weight of approximately 4 grams and a diameter of 22 millimeters, the Portugal 2.5 escudos 1965 coin is composed of a copper-nickel alloy. This composition was commonly used for small denomination coins due to its durability and resistance to wear and corrosion, ensuring that these coins could circulate effectively.
When assessing the condition of a coin, collectors often refer to a grading system that ranges from Poor (P) to Mint State (MS). The Portugal 2.5 escudos 1965 KM#590 is typically found in BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) condition. BU coins exhibit no signs of wear and retain their original luster and sharp details. This grade reflects the coin's history of limited circulation and careful preservation.
One fact about Portugal during this period is its colonial empire, which included territories in Africa, Asia, and South America. The Estado Novo regime maintained control over these colonies, and Portugal's colonial policies were a subject of international scrutiny and debate during the mid-20th century.
In conclusion, the Portugal 2.5 escudos 1965 KM#590 is a remarkable numismatic artifact that provides insights into Portugal's history during a time of political and social change. Its design reflects the prevailing political ideology, its minting in Lisbon, large mintage, copper-nickel composition, and BU condition collectively contribute to its historical and numismatic significance. This coin serves as a tangible link to a pivotal era in Portugal's history and its position in the global context.