200 Escudos 1994, John II [Portugal]

Coins-Europe

Reverse
Along the left edge of the coin, two years separated by raised dot-like elements: '1495' – the year of John II's death; '1995' – the year of the commemorative issue. On the right, the Portuguese inscription 'D, JOAO II: PRINCIPE PERFEITO:' translates as 'John II the Perfect Prince.' In the center, within a linear border, is a portrait of the king.
Obverse
Around the edge are decorative raised dots. At the top, along the rim, is the name of the Republic of Portugal in Portuguese. At the bottom, the inscription '200 ESCUDOS'. On the left, the letters 'INCM' – the mintmark of the Lisbon Mint; on the right, 'E. BYRNE' – the engraver's signature of E. Byrne. In the center, within a linear border: in the upper left and lower right quadrants, a stylized wave pattern; in the upper right, a bird bending over its chicks with the inscription 'POLY LEI E POLY GREI', translated from Greek as 'very good or very bad'; in the lower left quadrant – the lesser coat of arms of Portugal (on a shield in the shape of a cross, five escutcheons with bezants, surrounded by a wide bordure with seven castles).