PORTUGAL, Kingdom. Maria II a Educadora (the Educator), 1834-1853. 870 Reis (Silver, 39 mm, 26.94 g, 12 h), countermarked on a spanish colonial 8 Reales 1820 from Lima, no date (1834). DEI•GRATIA - FERDIN•VII• / 1820 Laureate and draped bust of Fernando VII to right; countermark: crowned coat of arms. Rev. •HISPAN•ET IND•REX•ME•8R•J•P• Crowned coat of arms. Gomes -. KM 440. Rare in this condition. Beautifully toned. Minor scratches on the host coin, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.


In 1834, the Portuguese government ordered all Spanish and Spanish colonial 8 reales then in circulation to be countermarked with the crowned coat of arms of Portugal, raising the value to 870 reales and revalidating them for free circulation. This host coin type is not listed by Alberto Gomes. However, he points out that others are to be expected in addition to the types listed, cf. Alberto Gomes: Moedas Portuguesas. Lisbon 2021, p. 392.