Portugal 25 escudos - Adhesion to the EEC

The coin's story

This cupronickel 25 escudos coin celebrates Portugal's entry into the European Economic Community. Portugal submitted its application on 28 March 1977, a few years after the return of democracy, then negotiated for eight years. The accession treaty was signed on 12 June 1985 at the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, Mário Soares signed it for Portugal. On 1 January 1986, Portugal and Spain together became the eleventh and twelfth members of the Community. The reverse, engraved by Armando Matos Simões, shows twelve interlaced ribbons, the year the Community grew to twelve countries. The coin was struck in Lisbon by the Imprensa Nacional - Casa da Moeda in 4,990,000 pieces for circulation, it ceased to be legal tender with the changeover to the euro.