SPINK USA | Spink, the world's oldest numismatic auction house, will auction an important collection of Portuguese coins in New York on January 27, 2016 as part of its "Collector's Series Sale". Replete with numerous rarities in gold, silver and copper and ranging from Portugal's first coins to issues of the Republic, the offering of over 170 lots also includes colonial and Brazilian issues.

Nine different Dinheiro issues of Dom Afonso Henriques (1139-1185) - all rare - start off the collection. After winning the Battle of Ourique in 1139, Afonso Henriques was hailed as "King of the Portuguese," working diligently afterwards to gain full diplomatic recognition of Portugal's independence - the coins that he struck were Portugal's very first as a nation. Included in the group is an important Dinheiro which depicts a Seal of Solomon/Star of David instead of the usual pentagram , the use of this device may indicate that a Jewish moneyer struck the coin. Estimated at $10,000 to $15,000, the coin is only one of three known (lot 361). Numismatic rarities from Sancho I, "the Populator" (1185-1211), Afonso II, "the Fat" (1211-1223), and Fernando I, "the Handsome" (1367-1383) follow.

Lot 361, estimated: $10,000 - 15,000

The desire of Afonso V, "the African" (1438-1481) to unite Portugal with Castile is recalled by the Castilian titles he uses on a very rare silver Real grosso (lot 395), while Portugal's rule of Ceuta in North Africa is chronicled by a number of Afonso the African's Copper Ceitil issues. Various coins produced by the Evora mint are found in the sale, including a very rare 400 Reis of João IV (1640-1656). Estimated at $5,000 to $8,000, it depicts the crowned Arms of Portugal on one side, and a Jerusalem Cross on the other with "E's" for the Evora mint in its angles (lot 452). Among the collection's gold coins is a handsome Dobra of 8 Escudos issued by João V in 1727 (lot 470), estimated at $8,000 to $10,000.

Lot 452, estimated: $5,000 - 8,000

Lot 470, estimated: $8,000 - 10,000

Portugal's former colonies are represented by coins of Angola, Brazil, Mozambique, Portuguese India -  Diu and Goa, and Portuguese Malacca.

"This offering covers the greater portion of the history of Portugal," according to Spink USA senior numismatist Gregory J. Cole. "Generally large offerings of Portuguese coins are quite uncommon in U.S. auctions, particularly large groups of medieval coins. Spink is very pleased to be able to offer this extensive group. It should prove a real treasure trove for collectors."

For further information, please contact Gregory Cole, senior numismatist; or Charles Blane, managing director, at:

Tel:  212-262-8400 | Email: [email protected]

Or write Spink, 145 West 57 Street, New York, NY 10019.

About Spink

Spink is the world's leading auctioneer of stamps, coins, banknotes, medals, bonds & shares, autographs, books and wine.  Since its foundation in 1666, the Spink name has become synonymous with tradition, experience and integrity. Holder of royal warrants and numerous records for prices achieved at auction, Spink offers an unparalleled range of services to collectors worldwide.  Headquartered in London, with offices in New York, Hong Kong, Singapore and Switzerland, Spink holds over 70 auctions a year.  Catalogues can be accessed through the Spink website (www.spink.com) or via the Spink App for iPhone and iPad.