Cruzado de D. João III
Portugal
1521–1557
Reference data compiled from public catalogs
Estimated Melt Value
$496.41
Based on Gold spot price ($4,792.115/oz) · 90.0% purity · 3.58g
Updated 10:13 PM
Collector premium not included
Specifications
| Country | Portugal |
| Years Minted | 1521–1557 |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 3.58 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Plain |
Design
Obverse
Depicts the bust of King João III.
Reverse
Features the Cross of the Order of Christ.
History & Notable Facts
The Cruzado de D. João III was minted from gold sourced from Portugal's African trade, helping fund the era's global explorations.
That gold often came from Guinea, refined into coins that circulated as far as India and Brazil. The design was straightforward: a large cross on the obverse, the king's name on the reverse, with no fancy flourishes to distract from its purpose as currency. Variations in weight suggest some planchets were hastily prepared, perhaps during busy trade seasons. We don't know the exact mintage; records from that period are spotty at best.
Lisbon's mint struck these until 1557, reflecting João III's long reign and Portugal's economic ambitions. If you're handling one, note the edge often shows wear from constant use—proof it earned its keep.
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