1996 Portugal — Four Portugal Coins: The Historical Alliance Between the West & the East

Issued by Raffles Mint as legal tender commemorative coins of Portugal, this four-piece cupro-nickel set chronicles the remarkable story of Portuguese exploration and diplomacy across Asia in the 15th and 16th centuries. Each coin captures a defining moment in the historical alliance between Portugal and the East — told through four landmark events spanning China, Macau, Taiwan, and Thailand.

The Four Coins

• The Discovery of the Island of Formosa (Taiwan) — On 17 July 1582, a ship captained by André Feio ran aground on a sandbank on the southern coast of an unknown island, marking the beginning of the European connection with Formosa (Taiwan).
• The Founding of Macau — In 1557, local Chinese authorised Portuguese merchants to establish themselves in the port of Macau, giving Portugal a springboard to sail and trade in the seas of China and Japan.
• The Arrival of the Portuguese in China — The expedition led by Jorge Alvares landed on an island near Canton in 1513. Alvares immediately made the first business deals with the Chinese, thus beginning a relationship between Portugal and China that still continues today.
• Alliance between Portugal and the Kingdom of Siam (Thailand) — The friendly visit of Duarte Fernandes to King Ramathibodi in 1511 led to a military and commercial alliance in 1512, which had a profound influence on the history of the Portuguese presence in Eastern Asia in the 16th century.

Coin Specifications

• Face Value: 200 Escudos
• Weight: 26.5g
• Diameter: 36mm
• Material: Cupro-Nickel
• Issuer: Raffles Mint
• Status: Legal Tender Commemorative Coins of Portugal

Presentation

Each coin is individually housed in an illustrated fold-out card with historical narrative and a full-colour photograph of an iconic landmark from the respective country — including the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial (Taiwan), the Ruins of St. Paul's (Macau), the Temple of Heaven (China), and Wat Arun (Thailand). The complete set comes in a decorative outer slipcase titled "Four Portugal Coins That Tell the Historical Alliance Between the West & the East."

Collector's Note

A rare and thematic set that bridges European and Asian numismatic history, this Raffles Mint issue is a compelling addition to any collection focused on Portuguese exploration, colonial history, or the maritime Silk Road era. Presented as issued in original packaging.