Portugal 20 escudos 1986 - Compass rose

The coin's story

This 20 escudos coin in cupronickel, 75% copper and 25% nickel, belongs to the last series of the escudo. The type was struck from 1986 to 2001 by the Imprensa Nacional - Casa da Moeda in Lisbon, and 1986 is its first date. Both sides are the work of Euclides Vaz, who signs the obverse. The reverse shows a navigator's compass rose, with a fleur-de-lis and the cross of the Order of Christ. The catalogues distinguish a small shield, used from 1986 to 1997, and a large shield, closer to the rim, used from 1998 to 2001. The escudo was replaced by the euro on 1 January 2002, at a rate of 200.482 escudos to the euro, and the coin ceased to be legal tender on 28 February 2002.