Portuguese India King Charles I – 1/8 Tanga Bronze Coin (1901–1903 AD) Lisboa Mint

Portuguese India, King: Charles I, Reign: 1889–1908 CE, Years of Minting: 1901–1903 CE, Denomination: 1/8 Tanga = 1½ Réis, Composition: Bronze, Weight: 2.90 grams, Diameter: 21 mm, Reference: KM# 14, Gomes# C1 02, Grade: Fine, Standard Circulation Coin.

Obverse: Right-facing bust of King Charles I with the surrounding legend “CARLOS I REI DE PORTUGAL” and the date “MCMIII” (1903) below, designed by engraver Venâncio Alves and bordered by a toothed rim.

Reverse: Crowned Portuguese royal coat of arms with the legend “INDIA PORTUGUESA” surrounding it and the denomination “1/8 TANGA” below, enclosed by a toothed border.

King of Portugal Carlos I (1889-1908 CE), a member of the House of Braganza, ruled during the final decades of the Portuguese monarchy. Born in 1863, he was known as “the Diplomat” for his international interests. Portuguese expansion into India began with Vasco da Gama’s arrival at Calicut in 1498, initially seeking control of the lucrative spice trade. In 1510, Afonso de Albuquerque captured Goa, establishing the foundation of Portuguese colonial administration in India. Over subsequent centuries, Portugal maintained coastal territories including Goa, Daman and Diu through maritime power, trade and military alliances. Carlos I was assassinated in Lisbon on 1 February 1908 alongside his eldest son, Luís Filipe. His younger son, Manuel II, became Portugal’s last king before the monarchy was abolished in 1910. However, Portuguese colonial rule continued under the republic. Following Indian independence, Portuguese possessions remained under foreign control until Goa, Daman and Diu were incorporated into India in December 1961.

Coinage History: The 1/8 Tanga bronze coin was minted between 1901 and 1903 CE, with the dates MCMI (1901), MCMII (1902), and MCMIII (1903) representing its three dated issues. Struck at the Imprensa Nacional – Casa da Moeda in Lisboa (Lisbon), Portugal, the coin belonged to the monetary system of Portuguese India, distinct from British Indian currency. Its obverse features the right-facing portrait of King Carlos I with the inscription “CARLOS I REI DE PORTUGAL,” while the reverse displays the crowned Portuguese coat of arms and “INDIA PORTUGUESA.” These bronze issues remain collectible reminders of Portuguese colonial rule and monetary history in India.