40 Réis - José I (Bahia)

The 40 réis coin featuring the portrait of King José I was minted in Bahia, Brazil, during the mid-18th century. It reflects the period when Brazil was a crucial colony of the Portuguese Empire, serving as the primary source of gold and raw materials for the crown. The production of these copper coins at the Bahia mint was intended to facilitate everyday local commerce, as the colony required a stable medium of exchange for small transactions that the standard gold currency could not efficiently address.

The design follows the traditional numismatic standards of the Braganza dynasty, showcasing the king's profile on the obverse and the Portuguese coat of arms on the reverse. These pieces were struck at a time when colonial minting technology was evolving to meet the demands of an expanding population. While they were utilitarian rather than commemorative, they are now viewed by historians as essential artifacts of Brazil's complex economic history under Portuguese administration, illustrating the reach of the Lisbon monarchy in the Atlantic world.