My Journey with a Brazilian Gold 20,000 Reis from Minas Gerais, 1727

I’ve always been drawn to coins that carry history in their metal, and my Brazilian 20,000 reis from Minas Gerais (1727) under King João V is one that truly stops me in my tracks every time I hold it. Weighing a substantial 53.50 grams of 0.9170 gold, this isn’t just old money – it’s a tangible piece of Brazil’s gold fever days. Let me walk you through what makes this piece so special in my collection.

The Story Behind the Metal

Getting to know this coin meant understanding its roots. Back in the 1690s, gold discoveries around the Cuiabá River turned Minas Gerais into Brazil’s beating heart of wealth. Ouro Preto (now a UNESCO site) rose from these hills, and over the next century, Portugal siphoned off nearly 800 tons of gold from these lands. Holding this piece, I can’t ignore its darker legacy – the brutal reality that African slaves mined most of this gold, with indigenous groups like the Payagua violently displaced. It’s a heavy reminder that Europe’s gilded age was built on colonial suffering.

Handling History

Seeing this coin up close still gives me goosebumps. The obverse shows João V’s title circling Portugal’s crowned shield, with “20000” and five little florets framing it. Flip it over and you’ll find the crusader motto “IN HOC SIGNO VINCES” around a cross, four M’s in the corners, and our date – 1727 – proudly displayed (it’s KM 117 for you catalog hunters). What really grabs me is its sheer presence – the heavyweight champion of Minas Gerais coins. These “Dobras” or “Joes” (cousins to Spanish doubloons) were the stuff of pirate legends and colonial trade routes.

How It Came to Me

I still remember winning this beauty at a World-Wide Coins auction back in ’92. It arrived raw, labeled choice XF, though honestly? Most collectors today would probably bump that grade up. I keep it in a poly-lined paper 2×2 – simple but effective against toning. The gold still glows like it just left the mint. Word to the wise: cotton gloves are non-negotiable with big, soft coins like this. One careless fingerprint can haunt you forever.

Thoughts on Value and Grading

Judging coins like this? Trust your eyes over labels. Watch for clean fields and strong details. I’ve noticed raw pieces often surprise when slabbed – mine might hit MS-63 or better with NGC. Lately, similar examples have cleared $7,000 at auction, and gold’s climb doesn’t hurt. My approach? Chase quality, not completeness. I’d rather have one knockout piece than a dozen mediocre ones. Slabbing offers protection, sure, but I’m keeping mine raw for now – nothing beats feeling that weight in your palm.

Keeping Treasures Safe

Gold’s durable but still needs care. Stick to acid-free holders and avoid stacking big coins – dings happen fast. For those starting out, try smaller denominations like the 6,400 reis “Half Joe” or colonial silver 640 reis coins. They’re friendlier on the wallet but just as rich in stories.

Why We Collect

At the end of the day, I collect for the thrill and the tales coins carry. Visiting Ouro Preto years ago made my 20,000 reis feel alive – less like an artifact, more like a time machine. Whether you’re hunting pirate gold or colonial silver, remember: these aren’t just assets, they’re conversations with history. What’s your favorite coin story?