80 Réis - José I (Lisbon)

The 80 réis coin featuring King José I was minted in Lisbon for circulation within the Portuguese Empire, including its vast colonial territories in Brazil. Issued during the mid-18th century, these copper coins were designed to facilitate smaller commercial transactions and daily trade. They served as a tangible manifestation of the crown’s monetary authority during a period of significant administrative and economic reform in the Portuguese-speaking world.

The design follows the traditional numismatic standards of the era, prominently featuring the Portuguese coat of arms on the obverse and the denomination within a wreath or circular frame on the reverse. These pieces were struck in copper to preserve the more valuable gold and silver reserves of the treasury. While they were utilitarian in nature, their clean, utilitarian aesthetic reflects the standardized minting practices overseen by the Casa da Moeda in Lisbon during the reign of José I.