Portugal 6400 Reis (Peça)
Country of Origin: Portugal (Kingdom of Portugal/Colonial Brazil)
Year of Issue: 1749
Denomination: 6400 Reis (One Peça)
Composition: 91.7% Gold (22k)
Brief Description
A large gold coin featuring the laureate bust of King João V (John V) of Portugal and the ornate Portuguese royal coat of arms.
Historical Significance
The João V 6400 Reis, or 'Peça', was a major international trade coin during the 18th century, largely fueled by the massive gold strikes in Minas Gerais, Brazil. It was widely accepted and even circulated in the British American colonies.
Estimated Value
$1,200 - $2,500 for authentic circulated specimens; however, the pictured item appears to be a low-quality modern reproduction or jewelry replica.
Care Instructions
Genuine gold is soft and easily scratched; handle only by the edges. Do not clean or polish, as this destroys numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free archival holder.
Mint Mark
B (Bahia, Brazil mint)
Mintage & Rarity
Common for the type, though high-grade examples are sought after.
Weight & Diameter
Standard: 14.34g, 32mm diameter
Edge
Ornamented (Corda style)
Apparent Grade
The surface texture, lack of sharp detail, and 'pitted' grainy appearance suggest this is not a genuine mint strike but a modern cast replica or base-metal copy with plating.
Obverse (Front)
Laureate head of King João V right, legend: JOANNES V D.G. PORT. ET ALG. REX (John V by the Grace of God King of Portugal and the Algarves). Date 1749 and mint mark B below.
Reverse (Back)
A simple ornate crowned shield containing the Portuguese coat of arms within a baroque frame.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Authenticity is the primary factor. Genuine coins are valued for gold content plus numismatic premium; replicas have minimal value ($1-$10 as a curiosity).
Similar Coins
Often confused with the smaller 4000 Reis or the British Guinea which circulated alongside it.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check for 'R' marks or circles (visible on this item) which often denote 'Replica'. Real coins are struck, not cast; a grainy surface, soft details, and incorrect weight are major red flags.
Notable Varieties & Errors
Some variations in the laureate hair curls and the exact style of the 'B' mint mark exist for different years in the series provided by the Bahia mint in Brazil. Note: This specific image shows a clear (R) circle mark, confirming it is a replica/copy coin used for jewelry or decoration rather than an original 1749 currency piece.
Created At: 2026-04-21T11:45:40.919891