Portugal 100 escudos – Afonso Henriques (silver)

The coin's story

This 100 escudos coin in 925 thousandths silver commemorates the 800th anniversary of the death of Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal. Count of Portugal from 1128, he then took the title of king. On 28 May 1179, by the bull Manifestis Probatum, Pope Alexander III recognised him as king and Portugal as an independent kingdom, with the right to conquer lands from the Moors. Afonso Henriques died on 6 December 1185, after more than 57 years of rule, and was buried in the Church of Santa Cruz in Coimbra. The striking was authorised by Decree-Law 191/86, which describes the early shield of Portugal on one side and the helmeted King in chain mail on the other. The same type exists in cupronickel for circulation, this silver version was struck in 5,000 pieces in proof and 20,000 in brilliant uncirculated quality.