1521-1527 Gold Half Sao Vicente NGC AU53

This 1521–1527 Gold Half São Vicente was struck under the reign of João III of Portugal and is a rare and historically significant type from the early 16th century. Issued during a period of vast maritime exploration and colonial expansion, the coin is a powerful symbol of both spiritual devotion and national pride in early Portuguese imperial coinage.

Obverse: Features Saint Vincent, the patron saint of Lisbon, standing with a palm branch and holding a boat bearing two candles. The figure is rendered in high relief, surrounded by a Latin legend invoking the saint’s protection.

Reverse: Displays the crowned Portuguese shield of arms, beautifully struck with crisp definition and encircled by an elegant Gothic inscription.

Graded NGC AU53, this example presents outstanding detail for the type, especially on the reverse shield, which remains bold and fully legible. The coin retains its original golden tone and exhibits only light circulation wear, making it an attractive and rare survivor from Portugal’s golden age of exploration.