Commemorative 50 Escudos 1940

This 1940 commemorative 50 Escudos was struck to honor the Exposição do Mundo Português, a vast exhibition in Lisbon that showcased Portugal's colonial history during the early days of World War II.

That event drew millions, yet the coin itself features a simple design: the obverse with the Portuguese coat of arms and the reverse depicting navigators like Vasco da Gama. It was minted in silver, with records suggesting a production run, but exact figures were lost in post-war archives—typical disorganization.

I've seen plenty of these over the years; the edge lettering is often worn, making authentication a chore. As for myths, no, it wasn't cursed by Salazar himself.

The coin's scarcity in high grades keeps it relevant, though not every piece is a rarity.