Portugal has just gained a new collection piece that promises to arouse the interest of collectors and lovers of maritime culture. The Imprensa Nacional Casa da Moeda (INCM) launched the first coin of the new Portuguese series “Faróis de Portugal”, a tribute to the icons that for centuries guided navigators and protected those who ventured at sea, with a face value of five euros.
According to INCM, the series debuts with the Cabo de São Vicente Lighthouse, in the Algarve: one of the most imposing on the Portuguese coast and a symbol of the connection between the country and the ocean.
A historic lighthouse given new life in metal
The Cabo de São Vicente Lighthouse was opened in 1846, by order of D. Maria II, and since then has served as a light reference for ships crossing the Atlantic. Its flashlight, one of the most powerful in the world, continues to project light more than 30 kilometers away.
The coin created by Casa da Moeda pays homage to this legacy, with a design signed by José João de Brito, a Portuguese sculptor and medalist born in Coimbra in 1941. The artist sought to capture the “luminous and symbolic role” of the lighthouse, combining art, precision and national identity.
Two versions and a detail that makes it unique
This collector’s coin will be issued in two versions: one with a normal finish and one with a special finish, both with a face value of five euros. In other words, they are worth as much as a banknote, but their collection value tends to increase among collectors, according to the Bank of Portugal and the Imprensa Nacional Casa da Moeda, who remember that these issues can acquire numismatic value over time.
There will also be a version in proof silver (Ag 925‰), which stands out for including a translucent ring with light, making it one of the most innovative pieces ever produced by Casa da Moeda.
However, according to the institution, the sale of this special edition has been postponed due to manufacturing complexity, with a new date to be announced soon.
Where to buy the new Portuguese currency
The coin in normal finish will not be available in physical INCM stores, but can be purchased in the online store, at Banco de Portugal treasury counters or through regular retailers.
Versions in a special finish (gold proof) will be on sale in INCM physical stores in Lisbon, Porto and Coimbra, as well as in the official online store.
A metal tribute to Portuguese maritime heritage
Casa da Moeda emphasizes that this new collection aims to celebrate “the symbols of orientation and safety that connect the country to the sea”, reinforcing the historical and cultural importance of Portuguese lighthouses.
With the Cabo de São Vicente Lighthouse inaugurating the series, the objective is that other editions will represent different points on the Portuguese coast and that, over time, these coins will gain not only numerical value, but also symbolic and historical value.
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