India, Portuguese ½ Tanga – Charles I Rare Coin

Issuer	Portuguese India
King	Charles I (Carlos I) (1889-1908)
Type	Standard circulation coins
Years	1901-1903
Value	½ Tanga = 6 Réis (1⁄32)
Currency	Rupia (1880-1958)
Composition	Bronze
Weight	12.7 g
Diameter	30 mm
Thickness	2 mm
Shape	Round
Technique	Milled
Orientation	Coin alignment ↑↓
Demonetized	Yes

This exceptional ½ Tanga coin represents a significant piece of Portuguese colonial numismatic history. Minted between 1901-1903 during the reign of King Charles I, this bronze circulation coin originates from Portuguese India, a colonial territory that maintained its own currency system distinct from mainland Portugal.

The coin’s specifications—weighing 12.7 grams with a 30mm diameter—reflect the practical design of early 20th-century colonial coinage. Struck using the milled technique with coin alignment, this ½ Tanga (equivalent to 6 Réis or 1/32 Rupia) showcases the intricate craftsmanship of the period. Its bronze composition has developed a natural patina over more than a century, adding to its authentic character.

For collectors, this coin holds substantial appeal as a tangible artifact of Portuguese imperial expansion and India’s numismatic heritage. The demonetized status enhances its collectible value, as these pieces are no longer in circulation, making surviving examples increasingly scarce. This coin is ideal for those specializing in colonial coinage, Asian numismatics, or Portuguese historical artifacts. Its rarity and historical significance make it a prized addition to any serious collection, offering both investment potential and educational value about an important chapter in global history.

#