40 Réis - José I (Lisbon)

The 40 Réis coin, struck in 1753 during the reign of King José I, was minted in Lisbon for use across the Portuguese Empire, including the colony of Brazil. During this era, Portugal utilized a standardized currency system where denominations were minted in the metropole to support the growing administrative and commercial needs of its overseas territories. The copper composition of this piece reflects its role as a fractional denomination, intended for everyday retail transactions and local commerce.

The design follows the traditional numismatic conventions of the Braganza dynasty, typically featuring the royal coat of arms on the obverse and the denomination within a wreath or ornamental border on the reverse. These coins were produced in significant quantities to maintain liquidity, and while they served a strictly utilitarian purpose, they are now valued by collectors for their historical connection to the colonial period and the rigorous minting standards maintained in Lisbon under the influence of the Marquis of Pombal.