Goa 1715 5 xerafins Fr-1463
This specimen was lot 1315 in Steve Album sale 16 (Santa Rosa, CA, May 2013), where it did not sell. The catalog description[1] noted, "DAMAO: João V, 1706-1750, AV são tomé (5 xerafins), 1715, crowned arms/Saint Thomas seated to left, date beside, crude Fine, RRRR." The Portuguese were the first European power to make direct contact with India. They concentrated on trade but were not above piracy or political meddling if the opportunity arose. They conquered or dominated a good part of India in the sixteenth century but gradually had to yield to others, especially the British. By 1806, Portuguese holdings were limited to Diu, Damao and Goa. Each had a mint which struck hammered coinage until the 1860's. This gold são tomé, tho listed by Steven Album under Damao, is listed by Friedberg and the SCWC under Goa, where we have placed it. It was issued 1714-20 and is rare.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 2.8 g, gold, 18 mm diameter; this specimen 2.85 g.
Catalog reference: Fr-1463, Gomes-92.03, KM-99.
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- Alberto Gomes and Francisco Antonio Magro, Moedas Portuguesas e do Território Que Hoje é Portugal: Catálogo das Moedas Cunhadas para o Continentes e Ilhas Adjacentes, para os Territórios do Ultramar e Grão-Mestres Portugueses da Ordem de Malta, 6ª Edição, Lisbon: Associação Numismática de Portugal, 2013.
- [1]Album, Stephen. Stephen Album Auction 16, Santa Rosa, CA: Stephen Album Rare Coins, 2013.
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