Portuguese India 10 Centavos Bronze Coin Estado da India Republica Portuguesa Colonial Issue

Portuguese India, Years of Minting: 1958-1961 CE, Denomination: 10 Centavos, Metal: Bronze (95% Copper, 3% Zinc, 2% Tin), Weight: 1.91 grams, Diameter: 18 mm, References: KM#30, Gomes#R13, Schön#18, Grade: Extremely Fine, Scarce.

Obverse: The Portuguese State Arms (Coat of Arms) beneath a mural crown, with the legend “ESTADO DA INDIA” surrounding and the date below. The design symbolizes the Portuguese administration in India and represents the official authority of the Estado da Índia during the final years of Portuguese rule in Goa.

Reverse: The denomination “10 CENTAVOS” at the center, surrounded by the legend “REPUBLICA PORTUGUESA” in a circular arrangement. The clean and symmetrical layout reflects the decimal monetary system introduced by the Portuguese Republic and emphasizes the coin’s value within the Escudo currency.

Issued between 1958 and 1961, this bronze 10 Centavos formed part of the decimal coinage of Portuguese India, introduced shortly before the end of Portuguese administration in Goa, Daman, and Diu. The obverse displays the Portuguese State Arms, symbolizing colonial authority, while the reverse bears the denomination and the name of the Portuguese Republic. These coins circulated until the integration of Portuguese India into the Republic of India, making them among the final official colonial issues of Portuguese India.

Coinage Note: The Portuguese India 10 Centavos is one of the last circulating colonial coins issued under the Portuguese Republic before the end of Portuguese rule in India. Its distinctive coat of arms, decimal design, and historical significance make it a highly collectible coin among enthusiasts of Portuguese Indian and colonial numismatics.