Expert: Brad Swain - 3/10/2010

Question
Hello;

   I have accuired a coin that I can not find any info on.  The coin has been very worn, but I can make out most all of it.


   On the front side:   PORTUGALIA ET ALGARBIORUM REGINA  20  1796?  The 6 is a partial mark.
   
   On the back side:  MARIA  I  DEI GRATIA  with a CROWNED SHIELD



   Can you ID it?

    Lee

Answer
Hi Lee, it's Portuguese but the denomination (face value) is a mystery. It seems you are saying it has a '20' on it but Portugal didn't issue any copper 20 reis coins until 1800 and 1833.
If you have pictures (not over 1 megabyte each please) you can email them to me at tbirde@psknet.com.
You might also try a library for a copy of the Standard Catalog of World Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
Brad