10 Reis - Maria II

The 10 Reis coin of Maria II's reign was struck from bronze planchets that often incorporated recycled metal from older Spanish and Portuguese coins, a cost-saving measure amid the era's fiscal strains.

This approach wasn't unique, but it highlights how Portugal's mint adapted to limited resources in the mid-19th century. The obverse typically bore Maria II's profile, a nod to her assertive rule despite the political upheavals. Weighing around 9 grams and measuring 28 millimeters, these coins circulated widely for small transactions.

Records of exact mintage figures are spotty; many were likely destroyed in the 1838 Lisbon fire, leaving us to guess at production volumes. Still, survivors show wear patterns that speak to their everyday use.

Finding one in pristine condition is like spotting a clear day in Portugal's winter—rare, but not impossible.