My Adventures in Croatian Numismatics
June 19, 2025Treasure Hunting in Unsold Auction Lots: My Coin Collecting Adventures
June 19, 2025
There’s something about big, historic coins that always grabs my eye. Take the Brazilian gold 20,000 reis from Minas Gerais, struck in 1727 under King Joao V—it’s one of the stars of my collection. This wasn’t a coin for buying bread; it’s a relic from Brazil’s gold rush, packed with the drama of colonial times. Today, I want to share what I’ve learned about its history, design, and some tips for collectors.
The Historical Backdrop
To understand this coin, we have to go back to the 1720s in Minas Gerais. That’s when gold was pouring out of the region—rivers and fields around places like Ouro Preto were rich with it. This gold fueled Portugal’s treasury and helped grow Europe’s economy. But we can’t ignore the human cost: African slaves endured brutal conditions to mine it, and conflicts with indigenous groups like the Payagua were common. For me, knowing this history makes owning the coin more meaningful. It’s not just a chunk of gold; it’s a piece of a story about exploitation and colonial power.
Coin Specifications and Design
I remember the first time I held my 20,000 reis—the weight of it! At 53.50 grams of nearly pure gold (0.9170 fine), it’s a solid piece. Minas Gerais struck these hefty coins from 1724 to 1727, and the design is a real work of colonial art.
- Obverse: Shows “IOANNES • V • D • G • PORT • ET • ALG • REX” around a crowned Portuguese shield, with “20000” on the sides and some pretty florets.
- Reverse: Has “IN HOC SIGNO VINCES” (In this sign thou shalt conquer) circling a central cross with four M’s, and the date 1727 at the top.
Collectors often call these “Dobras” or “Joes” (after King Joao). They were worth about the same as Spanish doubloons and were even a favorite among pirates. It’s interesting to see how they foreshadowed later gold rush coins, like California’s $20 gold pieces.
Grading and Preservation Tips
I got my 20,000 reis raw, sold as a choice XF. But looking at those pristine surfaces—hardly any bag marks and great eye appeal—I think it might grade MS-63 or better. When grading these, here’s what I look for:
- Check for wear on high points, like the shield or cross. Even a little rub can knock it down to XF.
- Store them in acid-free holders like SAFLIPs or poly-lined 2×2 envelopes. Gold this pure rarely tones, but better safe than sorry.
- Think about slabbing with NGC or PCGS for safety. I haven’t done it yet because I like the feel of a raw coin, but slabs do protect against mishandling if you’re holding long term.
If you’re in the market, don’t get too hung up on the grade. Go for eye appeal. Coins like this can jump in value—I’ve seen auctions top $7,000, and sometimes you can turn a nice profit.
Market Observations and Collecting Insights
With gold prices climbing, coins like this are getting even more attention. From what I’ve seen, high-grade examples (MS-63 or better) fetch top dollar, but they’re hard to find. The 20,000 reis is rarer than smaller ones like the 10,000 reis, so it’s worth focusing on. If you’re building a collection, here are my thoughts:
- If money’s tight, start with type coins. Brazilian colonial silver—like the 600 or 640 reis—won’t break the bank and they’re a great way in.
- You could build a set by ruler or denomination, but always go for quality. I look for coins that are well-struck and free of damage—they just pop more.
- Stick with trusted auctions or dealers. My piece came from a 1992 sale, and knowing its history adds to the value.
Life changes, and so do collecting interests. Make sure you document your coins and get them insured. You don’t want to regret it later.
Why This Coin Resonates with Me
Every time I hold this 20,000 reis, I feel a connection to Ouro Preto and its rich history. I’ve always wanted to visit, and until then, this coin is the star of my gold collection. It reminds me that coin collecting isn’t just about the money; it’s about keeping stories alive. If you love gold or colonial history, I urge you to seek out these Brazilian treasures. They’re a direct link to an incredible past.
