Krause number -- KM# 590

Country  -- Portugal

Denomination -- 2.5 escudos

Year  -- 1963-1985

Period   -- Portuguese Republic (1969 - 1986)

Coin type   -- Circulation coins

Composition -- Copper-Nickel

Edge type  -- Reeded

Shape  -- Round

Alignment  -- Coin (180°)

Weight (gr)  -- 3.5

Diameter (mm) -- 20

Thickness (mm)  -- 1.5

Obverse -- A short-hulled, high-decked sailing caravel with towering masts sailing left, name of the country around and date below.

Reverse -- Coat of arms of Portugal flanked by 4 stars, value below.The coat of arms of Portugal is popularly referred as the Cinco Quinas (Five Quinas) or simply the Quinas (a quina being each of the five escutcheons in form of a cross with five bezants of the Portuguese shield). In the late 14th century, the number of bezants was fixed in five. Late explanations interpret them as the five wounds of Jesus Christ. The shield resting in front is composed of seven golden castles, which represent the Moorish castles conquered during the Reconquista.

Engraver:  Marcelino Norte de Almeida