Portuguese-India 1 Rupia 1881 (Luiz I) Rare Silver Coin

Issuer	Portuguese India
King	Louis I (Luís I) (1861-1889)
Type	Standard circulation coins
Years	1881-1885
Value	1 Rupia = 16 Tangas = 192 Réis
Currency	Rupia (1880-1958)
Composition	Silver (.917)
Weight	11.66 g
Diameter	30.5 mm
Thickness	1.8 mm
Shape	Round
Technique	Milled
Orientation	Coin alignment

Discover this exceptional Portuguese-India 1 Rupia silver coin from 1881, minted during the reign of King Luís I. This stunning numismatic treasure features a finely detailed portrait of the monarch on its obverse, inscribed with Latin lettering proclaiming his titles across the Portuguese and Algarve realms. Struck in .917 silver with a substantial weight of 11.66 grams, this 30.5mm round coin represents a fascinating piece of colonial monetary history spanning the 1881-1885 production period.

As part of Portugal’s Indian currency system where one Rupia equaled 16 Tangas, this coin embodies the economic bridge between European and Asian commerce during the height of Portuguese colonial expansion. The milled edge technique ensures authenticity and reflects the sophisticated coinage standards of the era. Its rarity lies in the specific combination of date, mint condition potential, and historical significance—few examples survive in premium condition today.

Collectors of colonial coinage, Portuguese numismatics, and world currency will appreciate its substantial silver content and aesthetic appeal. This coin serves as both an investment piece and a tangible connection to 19th-century imperial history, making it an essential acquisition for serious numismatists.

#