Portuguese India, 1 Escudo 1958-59, Extremely Fine

Portugal gained its first territories in India in 1505 and it remained a colonial power there until 1961. Known as the Portuguese State of India, it was a series of small colonies governed by viceroys and governors who were based in Goa. These 1 escudo coins were the last to be issued for the territory in 1958-59 before it was taken over by India in 1961. On the obverse is the coat of arms of what was Portugal’s State of India. These coins were struck in nickel brass and are in Extremely Fine condition, although notoriously weakly struck.