Tostão of Pedro II

The most intriguing fact about Pedro II's Tostão is that it was minted using silver likely sourced from Brazil's nascent mines, which propped up Portugal's flagging economy amid colonial expansion.

This silver coin, struck in Lisbon between 1683 and 1706, typically weighed around 3.5 grams and carried a face value of 100 réis. On one side, you'd find the Portuguese coat of arms; on the other, Pedro II's bust or initials, depending on the year. Variations in die quality often resulted from rushed production, a nod to the era's political instability.

We don't know the exact mintage figures—they were probably lost in one of the palace fires. As for counterfeits, they were common enough to frustrate officials, much like bad wine spoiling a cask.

Edge designs varied, sometimes featuring inscriptions to deter clipping, though that didn't always work.