Portugal Euro Coins

Entry to the euro brought about a brief upturn for Portugal in 1998 as falling interest rates and currency stability triggered economic regeneration in one of Western Europe's poorest countries. However, initial euphoria gave way to growing gloom as Portugal's economic growth slowed and inflationary pressure persisted, triggering stern warnings from Brussels over excessive public spending. In 2001 it was forecast that Portugal would take at least another 20 years to catch up with its European peers. Please take a look at The Portuguese Mint too.

Portuguese euro coins show three different designs for each of the three series of coins, representing the first Portuguese King, D. Afonso Henriques. However, they are quite similar in that all contain old royal mints and seals within a circle of seven castles and five coats of arms and the word "Portugal". Also featured in the designs are the 12 stars of the EU and the year of minting. Designer Vitor Manuel Fernandes dos Santos, who drew his inspiration from historical symbols and the seals of the first King of Portugal, won the Portuguese Euro Design competition. The Portuguese Euro Zone includes the overseas territories of Azores and Madeira.

The Portuguese 2 euro coin edge inscription

Edge
Seven castles and five coats of arms also found on the national side, all equally spaced

Mintmarks on Portuguese euro coins

Mintmark	Description	Location
INCM	Imprensa Nacional e Casa da Moeda (National Currency Mint House)	Above the shield - 4 o'clock star
VS	Stylized initials of the designer Vitor Manuel Fernandes dos Santos	Above the shield - 8 o'clock star