Portugal - D. Filipe III (1621-1640) - Gold - 4 Cruzados; L B-IIII; PHILIPVS.D:G:REX:PORTVGALIA.ET.A / IN HOC.SIGNO VIN CES; Very Rare; G.19.01, JS F3.1; 12.12g ; VF-

Since the time of King Afonso V, the base currency in gold was the Cruzado, which, at the time of King João III, had a value of 400 reais. Towards the end of this reign, in 1555, the minting of Cruzados was stopped, and the gold coin changed to a base of 500 reais, with the issue of the Meio São Vicente and the São Vicente that continued under King D. Sebastião. As these coins were greatly affected by restrictions, especially the larger one, in 1560 they were replaced by a single coin, of 500 reais, showing the cross of Christ on the reverse. Between 1562 and 1566, a 500 reais type known as "Engenhoso" was tried out, but the previous coin continued to be struck until the beginning of King Filipe I's reign. In 1584, the king ordered the end of the minting of the 500 Reais coin, reverting back to the base value of the Cruzado, containing the cross of St. George on the reverse side, but there were now three sorts of coins, namely: the Cruzado, with a value of 400 réis (6 pence the real) and a weight of 75 peças per mark, as before, and now the two Cruzados and the four Cruzados, in proportion. These three types were struck by the three kings of Spain as kings of Portugal, and are now very rare, due to the collection undertaken in 1642.

In this sale, Numisma is presenting a four Cruzados coin, perfect, well centred, showing some wear, and attributed to Filipe III through the spelling of the king's name.