D. João V , Real e Meio (1 1/2), cobre , 1714.

[Luis Cozeto]

Diâmetro: 23 mm.
Peso: 2.5 gr.

[Figleaf]

A nice copper coin, almost completely on flan with generally good detail. I think this a Gomes D. João V 6.1. I read the legends as:

Obv: D.G.PORT.ET ALG.REX
Rev: +VTILITATI+PUBLICÆ+1714

Dom João V had a very good education, but suffered a number of frustrations, ranging from severe illness and disfavour of his father to a long bout of depression after the death of mother as well as his sister Teresa Maria.

His reign was equally ambiguous. Brazil yielded large amounts of gold and diamonds, but John squandered much of it on religious donations and the war of the Spanish succession, which had little political interest for Portugal, backing the losing party. He reigned as an absolutist with little eye for the development of the country, leaving the day-to-day governing to a single trusted follower. On the positive side is a new mint building, opened during his reign. However, on balance he is often considered as one of the worst kings of Portugal.

Peter