10 Réis - Maria I (Large Type; Low and High Crowns; Lisbon)

The 10 Réis coin minted in 1786 represents the colonial coinage of Brazil during the reign of Queen Maria I. Produced at the Lisbon mint, this 'Large Type' copper issue was intended for circulation across the Portuguese Empire, including its vast South American territories. The design reflects the weight and authority of the Braganza dynasty, serving as a functional tool for daily commerce during a period of significant economic restructuring within the Portuguese Atlantic world.

The coin features the traditional crown motif atop the royal coat of arms, a design standardized to reinforce the legitimacy of the monarch's rule. Numismatists distinguish between 'Low' and 'High' crown variants, which provide insight into the variations of die-cutting techniques utilized at the Lisbon mint during the late 18th century. While these copper pieces were heavily circulated and often show significant wear today, they remain essential artifacts for understanding the monetary policy that governed Brazil prior to the Napoleonic era.