My Numismatic Journey Through Croatian Coins
June 20, 2025Showcasing My ‘Unsold’ Auction Coin Finds: Treasures and Traps
June 20, 2025
There’s something about coins that capture grandeur and history, and for me, the Brazilian gold 20,000 reis from Minas Gerais under King Joao V in 1727 always stops me in my tracks. You can feel its importance just holding it – this wasn’t pocket change but a bold statement from Brazil’s golden age. Let me walk you through what makes this coin special, from its dramatic backstory to what collectors should know.
Historical Context and Significance
Struck at the fever pitch of the Minas Gerais gold rush in the 1720s, this coin emerged when Brazilian gold was flooding into Portugal and reshaping Europe’s economy. It still gives me chills knowing over 800 metric tons of gold came from Ouro Preto (“black gold”) that century. But that wealth had dark origins: African slaves labored in mosquito-infested fields, and conflicts with groups like the Payagua left deep scars. Every time I examine this coin, I remember those human stories behind the shine.
Coin Specifications and Design Details
Heft this giant in your palm – 53.50 grams of 0.9170 gold makes it one of the weightiest colonial pieces you’ll encounter. Minas Gerais made gold coins in several sizes between 1724-1727, but this 1727 twenty-thousand reis is the king. Here’s what to look for:
- Obverse: “IOANNES • V • D • G • PORT • ET • ALG • REX” circles a crowned Portuguese shield, with “20000” standing tall on the left and five delicate florets on the right.
- Reverse: The crusader motto “IN HOC SIGNO VINCES” (In this sign thou shalt conquer) wraps around a central Portuguese cross, four M’s marking the quadrants, and the date proudly above.
You’ll find it in catalogs as KM 117, FR 3, Gomes-38.04, or Russo-251. Collectors often call it a “Dobra” or “Joe,” putting it in the same league as those Spanish doubloons from pirate tales and early American commerce.
Grading Insights and Preservation Tips
Judging these can be tricky – I’ve seen coins labeled XF that could pass for mint state. Take one I bought at a 1992 auction: raw but likely MS-63 or MS-64 if NGC ever saw it. I keep mine in a poly-lined 2×2 paper envelope; the high gold content means toning isn’t a big worry, but the soft metal dings easily. Still debating whether to slab it – I love handling the raw coin but worry about future mishaps. My rule? Always chase eye appeal and minimal contact marks – they make all the difference in value.
Collecting Strategies and Market Observations
Build your collection around standout pieces, not bulk – I’m in it for the beauty. These hold value well; I watched a similar 1727 example flip for over $7,000 recently, netting a cool $2,000 profit as gold climbed. If you’re starting out:
- Cut your teeth on smaller denominations like the 6,400 reis “Half Joe” or Brazilian silver (300/640 reis) before diving into big gold
- Watch Heritage or Künker auctions – coins graded Vorzüglich (EF) there often look mint state to me
- Take a virtual trip to Ouro Preto like I did – seeing where these were minted adds new meaning
Broader Numismatic Connections
This coin’s story stretches beyond Brazil – it’s part of the same global gold fever that created California’s 1849 $20 pieces. I love tracing its threads to Spanish escudos or Uruguayan issues; it turns collecting into time travel. Studying this piece actually got me to finally photograph my Brazilian silver hoard – one coin always leads to another.
At the end of the day, the 1727 20,000 reis is pure numismatic theater – luxury and adventure stamped in gold. Having one in my collection feels like holding history, and I hope you get to experience that thrill too.
