ObverseImage: Wikimedia Commons · HG · Public domain
Macao Avos
Portugal
1920–1952
Reference data compiled from public catalogs
Market Price Range
Based on 20 eBay listings · Prices vary by grade and condition
Estimated Melt Value
$0.02
Based on Copper spot price ($6.09/oz) · 95.0% purity · 1.2g
Updated 1:05 PM
Collector premium not included
Specifications
| Country | Portugal |
| Years Minted | 1920–1952 |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 1.2 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Plain |
Design
Obverse
Features the crowned arms of Portugal.
Reverse
Displays the denomination and year.
History & Notable Facts
The Macao Avos, those humble bronze pieces from 1920 to 1952, were struck in Lisbon using planchets that often incorporated recycled metals from earlier colonial issues. This practical reuse helped keep costs down for a distant outpost.
Their designs were straightforward: the obverse typically bore the Portuguese coat of arms, while the reverse showed the value and year. Not every detail is clear, though; mintage figures for certain years vanished in Lisbon's archival mishaps.
Sizes varied by denomination, from the tiny 1 avo at about 18 millimeters to larger ones up to 10 avos. They circulated amid Macao's mix of traders and sailors, rubbing shoulders with foreign coins in the pocket.
Some collectors puzzle over the faint edge lettering, which was inconsistently applied. As for myths about hidden treasures, I've seen enough to know it's just tarnish.
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