“Português – A Coin of International Prestige”

The português is now on display at Banco de Portugal Museum. It is a gold coin minted in the reigns of Dom Manuel I and Dom João III and is considered to be the most representative of the Portuguese overseas expansion.

The prestige of this coin was internationally recognised and accepted, as witnessed by the countless issues of Portugalösers or Portugalóides.
These coins were minted in several cities of the Hanseatic League and in kingdoms of Northern Europe and their design, weight and size was similar to that of the Portuguese coin.



The purchasing power of the português is shown in a diagram with the price of the main items traded in those days.

For further information on the historical background of this coin, please consult the leaflet available on the Bank’s website (Flash Player installation required) and visit the museum, where you will receive the leaflet "O Português – Moeda de Prestígio Internacional” (in Portuguese only).


Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: Avenida Almirante Reis 71, Lisbon.

How to reach the Museum: Anjos underground station or bus routes 12, 40, 708 and 726.

Access to the Museum: The entrance is through the main hall and the Museum is in the lower floor. There is also a lift for the disabled.