IN HOC SIGNO VINCES - Silver Testaments to an Empire in an Heirloom Pendant

Please Note: This is an authentic Portuguese Treasure Coin, and you will receive the exact pendant in the photographs and description.

FOR PENDANT SIZE SEE COIN DETAILS BELOW

Portugal Gives Birth to “The Age of Discovery”

When thinking of great explorers and empires of the past, the names that spring to mind are Alexander the Great, the Roman Empire, Columbus, Great Britain, Sir Francis Drake, and perhaps the Dutch… but would it surprise you to know that Europe’s longest-lived empire, and the country and its country-men who discovered much of the world for Europe is, in fact, Portugal.

At the dawn of the modern age in the early 1400’s, the son of Portugal’s King Joao I, Prince Henry the Navigator, spearheaded the exploration of the world, becoming the principal sponsor and patron of Portuguese exploration efforts.  Soon, Portuguese vessels were sailing the Atlantic Ocean, discovering the Atlantic archipelagos including the Azores, Madeira and Cape Verde.

Your Silver In Hoc Signo Vinces Coin:

• Denomination: 100 Reis (100Reais Tostao)
• Date: circa 1504
• Ruler: Manuel I (1495-1521)
• Obverse (Front): The Crowned Arms of Portugal
• Reverse (Back): The Crusaders’ cross and the Latin phrase IN HOC SIGNO VINCES.  Originally a Greek phrase, it means “In this sign you will conquer.”  The Roman emperor Constantine the Great is said to have adopted the motto after having a vision of Christ's Cross before a battle in 312 A.D.
• Coin Metal: Silver
• Bezel Metal: 14K Gold
• Articulating Nautical Shackle Bail Interior Diameter: Will accommodate chain or leather necklace up to 6.2 mm
• Pendant size including bezel: 1 1/8” Across, 1 1/2” Tall - a few millimeters wider than a quarter, almost as wide as a 50 cent piece 

Robert's Notes: Incredibly rare, especially in this stunning condition. I have only had the pleasure to work with two coins from this time period., and in this quality.

This piece is almost uncirculated. A testament of being hidden away for hundreds of years. IN HOC SIGNO VINCES around the edge, meaning "In This Sign Conquer." EMANVEL on obverse.

From their initial voyages, the Portuguese built an empire throughout the world – territories that are now a part of 53 different sovereign states.  The Portuguese Empire spanned nearly 600 years, from the capture of Ceuta in 1415 to the grant of sovereignty to East Timor in Southeast Asia in 2002.

Coins like this one were discovered many years ago in a small Colonial wall cache secreted in Salvador, Brazil sometime around 1816. It’s stunning images and inscription are a surviving testament to the longest-lived modern European empire in the world.

Your In Hoc Signo Vinces Coin Pendant comes with:

1. Our 100% Authentic Lifetime Guarantee
2. A Detailed, Multi-Page Certificate of Authenticity Researched and Written by Robert Lewis Knecht
3. Treasure Hunters Gazette Booklet
4. Mini Museum Display for when you are not wearing your treasure
5. A Treasure Jewelry Care Card