80 Réis - Maria I (Low and High Crowns; Lisbon)

The 80 réis coin issued in 1787 was minted in Lisbon for use across the Portuguese Empire, specifically circulating heavily within the colony of Brazil. This period marked the reign of Queen Maria I, who became the first undisputed Queen Regnant of Portugal. The coin was produced during a time of significant economic transition, as Portugal sought to consolidate its monetary systems across its vast overseas territories, relying on the influx of precious metals from Brazilian mines to sustain its fiscal operations.

The design of the 80 réis features the Portuguese coat of arms on the obverse and the denomination within a wreath on the reverse, adhering to the standard imperial iconography of the late 18th century. Collectors often distinguish between the 'Low' and 'High' crown varieties, which refer to minor adjustments in the die-cut positioning of the royal crown symbol. These variations serve as markers of the different workshops and die-engravers operating within the Lisbon mint at the time, reflecting the meticulous, if varied, minting practices of the era.