Portuguese-Brazilian Gold Coin 1816 Moeda De Ouro of 4000 Reis
Moeda D'Ouro of 4000 Reis, coined by Joannes VI during his temporary sojourn in Brazil.
Obverse: A crowned shield with the arms of Portugal. Legend: "JOANNES D. G. PORT. ET ALG. P. REGENS." (Joannes Dei Gratiae Portugal Et Algarviarum Pro Regens; meaning: Joannes by the grace of God as Regent of Portugal and Algarvae.) In 1797, the Queen, Maria I., became mentally deranged; her son, Joannes Maria, began to administer the government as regent of Portugal, Algarvae and Brazil. In 1804, the name of the Queen, Maria, was removed from the coins, and that of the Regent substituted.
In 1816, when in Brazil, he became King Joannes VI. The above coin was struck in 1816, prior to his majority, and within a few months of his being declared King. Left of the shield, lengthwise, "4000," to the right, three rosettes.
Reverse : A cross potent, surrounded by four connected semicircles, between each semi-circle a rosette, and a complete circle around the whole. Legend: "ET BRAZILIAE DOMINUS ANNO, 1816," between two rosettes. (And Lord of Brazil, year 1813.)
This coin, notwithstanding being marked 4$000 Reis, was, by order of a decree issued in 1747, current in Brazil at 4$400 Reis, or one-tenth more than current in Portugal ; by the same arbitrary measure it was afterwards increased to 9$000 Reis, retaining the nominal 4$000 Reis upon its Obverse; and although afterwards current for 9$000 Reis, the weight and fineness of the coin remained unchanged, retaining the old standard in intrinsic value of the ancient 4$000 Portuguese Reis. The Milreis of Portugal has varied from $1.04.50 to $1.08.72, while the Milreis of Brazil in 1816 was only worth $0.97.848. It has since been reduced in value to $0.54.5. The weight of the MoedaD'Ouro is 124.400 grains. Fineness: 916.667.
Portuguese-Brazilian Gold Coins