King of Portugal Carlos I 20 Réis Bronze Coin Vintage Collectable Piece

Portugal, King Carlos I (Charles I, 1889-1908 CE), Denomination: 20 Réis, Composition: Bronze, Weight: 11.52 grams, Diameter: 30 mm, Mint: Lisbon (Portugal), Minting Year: 1891-1892 CE, Reference: KM# 533, Gomes# C1 03, Schön# 3. About Fine, Collectable.

Obverse: Right-facing portrait of King Carlos I, surrounded by the Latin inscription “CARLOS I REI DE PORTUGAL,” with the engraver’s name Alves and the date 1892 below.

Reverse: The denomination “20 RÉIS” appears centrally within a decorative wreath of branches, symbolizing the traditional design of Portuguese circulation coinage.

Carlos I ruled Portugal from 1889 to 1908 during a period of political tension and growing republican opposition. He succeeded his father, King Luís I, and faced increasing challenges involving government instability, public discontent, and demands for political reform. His reign witnessed the decline of the Portuguese monarchy, culminating in the Republican Revolution of 1910, two years after his assassination in 1908. Despite these difficulties, Portugal continued issuing standardized national coinage featuring the monarch’s portrait and the country’s traditional royal inscriptions.

Coinage Note: This bronze 20 Réis coin was issued in Portugal in 1892 during the reign of King Carlos I. Its obverse displays the king’s portrait and royal title, while the reverse features the denomination within a decorative wreath. The Réis formed part of Portugal’s monetary system before the introduction of the Escudo in 1911. This coin represents the late-monarchical period of Portuguese numismatic history and circulated alongside other bronze and silver denominations.