$5,560.00 USD
Issued under the reigns of King João III and possibly late Manuel I, the 10 Cruzado is a large gold denomination that reflects Portugal’s immense wealth during the height of its global maritime empire. Funded by trade routes stretching from Brazil to India, this coin embodies the power and reach of a kingdom at the forefront of the Age of Discovery.
Obverse: Features the ornate cross of the Order of Christ—a symbol closely tied to Portuguese exploration—surrounded by the Latin legend affirming royal authority and divine sanction.
Reverse: Displays the crowned coat of arms of Portugal within a beaded circle, reinforcing the monarchy’s prestige and control over a vast overseas domain.
A rare large-format gold coin from Portugal’s golden era, this PCGS AU55 example retains bold design elements and rich golden tone. With limited survivors in higher grades, it stands as an impressive piece of early 16th-century global commerce and colonial ambition.
