Vintém of João IV

The Vintém of João IV was struck using copper planchets likely recycled from melted Spanish coins, a practical move during the cash-strapped early years of Portugal's restoration.

That says something about the era's resourcefulness. João IV, fresh on the throne after the 1640 uprising, ordered these bronze pieces to stabilize the economy amid ongoing war. The obverse typically bore his portrait, while the reverse featured a simple cross or arms—nothing fancy, just functional.

Mintage figures are murky; records from that period burned in later fires, so we can't pin down exact numbers. What we do know is that these coins circulated widely in Portugal, helping to fund the fight against Spain.

Variations exist, some with off-center strikes that make you wonder if the mint workers were as tired as I am of these old tales.