Indio (coin)
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Mass3[1] g
Diameter26 [1] mm
Years of minting1499–1504 [1]
DesignCross of the Military Order of Christ and inscription IИ HOC SIGИO VIИCES[1]
| Mass | 3[1] g |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 26 [1] mm |
| Years of minting | 1499–1504 [1] |
| Obverse | |
| Reverse | |
| Design | Cross of the Military Order of Christ and inscription IИ HOC SIGИO VIИCES[1] |
The indio was a silver coin minted by the Portuguese government as a currency to support trade with India.[2] There are only two recovered coins of this mintage, making it very rare.[1]
Following the discovery by Vasco da Gama, King Manuel I of Portugal ordered the indio, as well as the português, to be minted to support trade with India.[1] The indio was minted for less than five years, being discontinued prior to 1504 in favor of the tostão.[1]
Design
According to Damião de Góis, the weight of the coin was ordered to equal the mass of the coins used by Italy, 3 grams.[1]
The reverse side bears markings from the Military Order of Christ, which King Manuel had also adopted as his personal insignia.[1]
