Guide to Old Portuguese Currency: Learn Its History & Value

Posted by: Ian • 9 Aug 2025

So, you've stumbled upon a stash of old Portuguese currency – maybe some escudos from a holiday years ago, or even some much older reals tucked away in a drawer. The first question that probably springs to mind is, "Is this worth anything?" The answer is a resounding yes! That forgotten holiday money is far from worthless. While you can't spend it in shops anymore, you can exchange your old Portuguese coins and notes for cash.

What to Do with Your Old Portuguese Currency

Finding a jar of forgotten foreign coins or a few banknotes in an old travel wallet feels a bit like uncovering your own mini treasure chest. But what do you do next? High street banks won't touch it, and even the Banco de Portugal no longer accepts this old Portuguese currency. This leaves a lot of people scratching their heads, unsure how to unlock its value. That’s where we come in.

We provide a fast, easy, and completely hassle-free way to turn those old coins and banknotes back into spendable cash. You don't need to waste time sorting through different denominations or separating notes from coins. We’ve designed our process to be as simple and convenient for you as possible.

A Service Built on Trust and Simplicity

We get it – sending your currency to a service you've just found online requires trust. That's why we're so proud of our reputation for transparency and reliability. We’re the trusted choice for major UK organisations, from well-known charities and supermarkets to airports and even police forces, who all rely on us to handle their leftover foreign currency.

Our promise to you is simple:

A 100% guaranteed process for your complete peace of mind.
No need to sort or count your currency – just send it to us as it is.
A straightforward way to exchange foreign coins and notes quickly.

Turning obsolete currency into real money shouldn't be a chore. Our entire service is built around removing the usual obstacles, giving you a direct path from discovery to payment without any of the fuss.

Before you start digging out all your old coins, it's helpful to have a rough idea of what you've got. Portugal has a fascinating monetary history, and identifying the currency is the first step. To make things easier, we've put together a quick guide to the main currencies you might have found.

Quick Guide to Historical Portuguese Currencies

This table gives a quick overview of the major currencies used in Portugal before the euro, their time in circulation, and their current status.

Currency Name	Abbreviation	In Use (Approx.)	Current Status
Portuguese Escudo	PTE	1911–2002	Obsolete, exchangeable via specialist services
Portuguese Real	None	Pre-1911	Obsolete, exchangeable via specialist services
Portuguese Centavo	Ctv.	1911–2002	Sub-unit of the Escudo, exchangeable

Whether it's escudos, reals, or centavos, we can help you convert them back into cash.

No matter if you want to exchange foreign coins, turn leftover currency from a past trip into cash, or even donate foreign coins to charity, we’ve got you covered. Ready to get started? Visit our homepage to begin your fast and easy exchange today.

A Journey Through Portugal's Monetary Past

Every old coin and banknote tucked away in a drawer tells a part of a nation's story. The old Portuguese currency you might have is no different; it’s a tangible piece of history, connecting you to a rich and dramatic past.

Understanding this journey, from the age of discovery to modern Europe, makes identifying your leftover currency more than just a task—it becomes a treasure hunt.

The story of modern Portuguese money is mainly a tale of two currencies: the Real (plural: réis) and the Escudo. The Real was Portugal's currency for centuries, funding its global explorations and trade. However, by the early 20th century, political change was in the air. The 1910 revolution overthrew the monarchy and established the First Portuguese Republic, an event that demanded a new monetary identity.

This led to the birth of the Portuguese Escudo in 1911, which replaced the Real at a rate of 1,000 réis to 1 escudo. This transition marked a new chapter for the nation, and the banknotes and coins from this era reflect that shift with new symbols and designs. You can see the essence of this period in the beautiful blend of art and national identity on early 20th-century banknotes.

The intricate patterns and allegorical figures on old Portuguese currency weren't just for decoration. They were potent symbols of national pride and economic aspiration during a time of immense change.

The Real and the Age of Discovery

Long before the Escudo, the Real was the currency that witnessed Portugal's golden era. This currency was deeply intertwined with international trade, especially with the United Kingdom. During the eighteenth century, Portugal's control over Brazilian gold mines made it a crucial economic partner for England. In fact, Portugal was the main source of gold entering England at the time.

It's estimated that up to £45 million worth of Brazilian gold—a massive windfall for Portugal—found its way into English hands throughout the century. This influx of Portuguese gold directly boosted the circulation of gold coinage in England, which grew from about £9.5 million in 1701 to £22.5 million by 1773.

The coins and notes you have might feel like simple leftover holiday money, but they are relics of a time when Portuguese trade shaped global economies. Each piece is a miniature monument to this influential history.

From the Escudo to the Euro

The Escudo's story is one of resilience. For much of the 20th century, it navigated periods of economic instability and political upheaval, seeing Portugal through the Estado Novo regime, the Carnation Revolution of 1974, and finally, the nation's integration into the European Economic Community in 1986. Each of these events left its mark on the currency's design and value.

The final chapter for the Escudo came on 1st January 2002, when Portugal, along with eleven other EU member states, officially adopted the Euro. The Escudo was phased out, with banknotes remaining exchangeable at the central bank for a limited time. This monetary union represented Portugal's full embrace of a modern, integrated European identity.

If you're interested in the broader context of currency histories and how they evolve, our blog offers more fascinating insights. Check out our guide on other currency histories and exchange tips.

Understanding this background gives your old Portuguese currency a new dimension. It’s not just obsolete money; it’s a collection of stories about revolution, exploration, and transformation. Now that you know the history, the next step is to identify what you have and turn that history into value today.

How to Identify Your Portuguese Coins and Banknotes

Tipping out a bag of old holiday money can feel a bit like a treasure hunt. When it comes to Portuguese currency, figuring out what you’ve got is actually simpler than you might expect. This guide will walk you through the key features of both Escudo and Real coins and banknotes, turning a forgotten pile of cash into a fascinating discovery.

The first thing to do is separate your coins from your banknotes. From there, it's just a case of looking for a few key identifiers on each piece. Most old Portuguese currency will clearly show a denomination (its value), a date, and various national symbols or portraits of historical figures.

Of course, with our service, you don't actually need to do any of this. Our process is designed to be fast, easy, and completely hassle-free. You can just send us all your leftover foreign currency—coins and notes all mixed up—and we'll handle the sorting. Still, learning to identify your own currency can be a really rewarding experience.

Identifying Portuguese Escudo Banknotes

The last series of Escudo banknotes, which were in circulation right up until the euro arrived in 2002, are the ones you're most likely to stumble upon. These notes are famous for their vibrant, artistic designs that celebrate Portugal's incredible Age of Discovery.

500 Escudos: This is a reddish-brown note featuring a portrait of João de Barros, a celebrated Portuguese historian. The back shows allegorical figures representing his work documenting Portuguese exploration in Asia.
1,000 Escudos: Keep an eye out for a purple and brown note with Pedro Álvares Cabral, the explorer credited with the European discovery of Brazil. The reverse has a brilliant jungle scene full of native wildlife, a nod to his famous voyage.
2,000 Escudos: This greenish-blue note honours Bartolomeu Dias, the first European to sail around the southern tip of Africa. On the back, you’ll see a caravel sailing ship set against a map.
5,000 Escudos: A green and violet note featuring none other than Vasco da Gama, who commanded the first ships to sail directly from Europe to India. The back depicts his arrival in Calicut.
10,000 Escudos: The biggest denomination is this reddish-orange note displaying a portrait of Infante D. Henrique, better known to us as Henry the Navigator. A stylised sailing vessel is pictured on the reverse.

It's common to have a collection of mixed foreign currency from various holidays. Our 100% guaranteed service allows you to convert foreign coins and banknotes all in one go, with no need to sort or identify them first. It's why we're the trusted choice for major brands, including airports, supermarkets, and even police forces.

Key Features of Portuguese Coins

Coins can feel a bit trickier, as they tend to rely more on symbols than text. Whether you're holding Escudo or Centavo coins, here are the common identifiers to look for.

Escudo and Centavo Coins (1911-2002):

Denomination: The value is usually marked very clearly, such as "1 Escudo," "5 Escudos," or "50 Centavos."
National Shield: The Portuguese coat of arms is a dead giveaway. Look for the five small blue shields set inside a larger one.
Caravels: A caravel ship, symbolising Portugal's rich seafaring history, appears on many coins, especially from the later Escudo period.
Republic Effigy: An image representing the Republic, often a female head wearing a Phrygian cap (a symbol of liberty), is a common sight.

Real Coins (Pre-1911):
These coins are much older and can be tougher to identify because of wear and tear. They typically feature the bust of the reigning king or queen and the royal coat of arms. The denominations are in "Réis," but the numbers can be hard to make out. Finding these is less common, but they are a fantastic piece of Portugal's rich numismatic history.

Once you’ve had a rummage through your collection, you’ll have a much better appreciation for the stories these bits of metal and paper tell. When you’re ready to unlock their value, we make the next step incredibly simple. Whether you want to exchange foreign coins, convert notes, or even donate foreign coins to charity, our service is the easiest way to do it.

To start your fast and hassle-free exchange, simply head over to our homepage and let us take it from there.

The Escudo and The Pound: A Historical Snapshot

If you've stumbled upon some old Portuguese currency in the UK, understanding its relationship with the pound gives you more than just a number—it tells a story. The exchange rate between the Portuguese Escudo and the pound sterling wasn't just a financial metric; it was a living record of economic shifts, political dramas, and changing fortunes on both sides.

Holding onto escudos from a holiday years ago means you've got a small piece of this shared history. The value of that leftover holiday cash has bobbed up and down over the decades, pushed and pulled by everything from Portuguese inflation to economic policy here in the UK.

But you don't need to be an economic historian to cash in. Our service is designed to be fast, easy, and completely hassle-free. There's no need to sort through your coins or figure out their history; just send them to us, and we'll take it from there.

Periods of Fluctuation and Stability

The 20th century saw some pretty wild swings in the escudo's value against the pound. The most turbulent times hit just after the First World War. Between 1918 and 1924, Portugal was wrestling with serious economic problems, leading to runaway inflation that hammered the escudo.

This era was marked by a steep dive against sterling. Nominal exchange rates shot up by around 500% between 1920 and 1923, and the amount of banknotes in circulation ballooned by a massive 650%. It was a chaotic time for anyone trying to manage the country's money, and things only started to calm down when stabilisation efforts began in late 1924. You can dig into the economic data from this period to see the full scale of the strain.

After that rocky start, the escudo found its feet and entered periods of greater stability, especially in the second half of the century. As Portugal's economy modernised and became more integrated with Europe, the exchange rate against the pound grew more predictable. This was particularly true in the run-up to Portugal adopting the euro.

The Final Exchange Rate

As Portugal prepared to join the Eurozone, the escudo's value was eventually fixed against the euro. This locked in a relatively stable final exchange rate against the pound before the escudo was retired. Right before the switch in 2002, one British pound was worth roughly 320 to 330 escudos.

This historical context helps frame the value of the currency you might be holding. While the official exchange window at the bank is long gone, your old coins and notes are certainly not worthless.

We turn forgotten currency into real value. Our 100% guaranteed service is trusted by major UK brands—including charities, supermarkets, airports, and even police forces—to exchange foreign coins and notes efficiently and transparently.

From History to Your Wallet

Understanding the escudo's journey against the pound adds a bit of depth to those coins and notes you've found. It connects their fascinating past to their practical worth today. What was once at the mercy of global markets is now simply leftover currency, waiting to be converted.

Whether you want to exchange foreign coins from one trip or a mixed bag of notes from years of travel, our process is the simplest way to do it. We also offer a way to donate foreign coins to charity, giving your old money a new purpose.

Ready to see what your old escudos are worth? Let us take the complexity out of the equation. Visit our homepage to start your fast, easy, and hassle-free exchange.

The Easiest Way to Exchange Your Old Portuguese Currency

So, you’ve dived into the fascinating history behind your old Portuguese currency, and now you’re wondering what to do with it. The next logical step is turning those old notes and coins into actual cash you can spend. But as you may have discovered, high street banks and even the Banco de Portugal won't touch old escudos anymore.

This is exactly where we come in. We’ve designed our service to turn what could be a real headache into a simple, straightforward process.

We know you have better things to do than spend hours sorting through a pile of unfamiliar foreign money. That’s why we’ve built a fast, easy, and completely hassle-free service that cuts out all the usual fuss. With us, you don’t need to sort, count, or even know what you have.

Just gather up all your leftover cash—coins, notes, escudos, centavos, it doesn’t matter—and send it all to us in one go. Our team of experts will handle the sorting and counting, making sure you get every bit of value from your currency without any of the work.

A Process Built on Trust and Guaranteed Results

Sending your money to someone you’ve just found online requires a leap of faith, and we’ve worked hard to build a reputation you can rely on. We're proud to be the trusted partner for some of the UK’s biggest organisations, including major supermarkets, airports, police forces, and national charities. They trust us because they know we’re secure, transparent, and dependable.

Our promise to you is simple and built on a few core principles:

A 100% Guaranteed Service: From the moment your currency is in the post to the second you receive your payment, our service is fully guaranteed. Total peace of mind.
Zero Hassle: Forget sorting. We take all your leftover currency from any country, in any condition, all mixed together. It really is the ultimate in convenience.
Complete Transparency: We provide clear exchange rates right from the start. You’ll know exactly what your money is worth, with no hidden fees or nasty surprises.

We make it easy to exchange foreign coins and notes, turning that drawer of clutter into cash you can actually use. Our system is designed to be as simple as possible, whether you’ve got a handful of coins or a big box of mixed currency.

How Our Simple Exchange Process Works

Getting started couldn't be easier. Just follow these simple steps to convert foreign coins and banknotes quickly and get paid.

Gather Your Currency: Collect all your old Portuguese escudos. While you're at it, grab any other leftover foreign currency you might have lying around. Don't worry about separating anything.
Use Our Online Form: Fill out our straightforward online exchange form. It walks you through everything and gives you the postage address to send your currency to.
Send Your Money: Pop your currency in a secure package and post it to us. We always suggest using a tracked service for that extra bit of security.
Receive Your Payment: As soon as we get your package, our team gets to work sorting, counting, and valuing it all. We then send your payment straight to your bank account or PayPal.

Our service is the perfect solution for obsolete money like the Portuguese escudo. While it’s no longer legal tender in Portugal, it certainly has value with us. We make sure that forgotten holiday cash is put back into your pocket.

Whether you're clearing out a drawer or have stumbled upon a forgotten stash of old money, our service is ready to help. We even handle modern currency, so if you have leftover euros from a more recent trip to Portugal, feel free to include those too. You can learn more about how to exchange Euros on our dedicated page.

Ready to unlock the value hidden in your old Portuguese currency? Let’s show you just how simple it can be.

Start your fast, easy, and hassle-free exchange today by visiting our homepage.

Turn Your Old Currency into a Charitable Donation

What if that forgotten stash of old Portuguese currency could do more than just top up your bank account? While turning leftover holiday money into cash is a great option, there's another powerful choice that gives your obsolete notes and coins a whole new purpose.

You can donate foreign coins to charity, transforming what might feel like clutter into meaningful support for a good cause. It’s a simple, effective way to ensure your old currency makes a real difference.

A Hassle-Free Way to Give Back

Many of us have small amounts of leftover foreign currency from various trips, and it often feels like too little to be worth exchanging. But when pooled together, these small sums can create a significant impact.

We make giving back just as fast, easy, and hassle-free as exchanging for cash. You don't need to sort or count anything; just gather all your leftover currency, and we handle the rest. This seamless process is why we are the trusted partner for many major UK charities, who rely on us to convert public donations into vital funds.

We believe that doing good should be simple. Our donation process removes all the usual barriers, making it easy for you to support causes you care about with currency that would otherwise sit unused.

Our partnerships with well-known charities, supermarkets, airports, and even police forces speak to our credibility and commitment to making a positive impact. When you choose to donate, you can be confident that your contribution is being handled professionally and efficiently, with a 100% guaranteed process.

How Your Donation Makes a Difference

Donating your old currency is a practical and powerful way to support charitable work. Even a handful of old escudos can contribute to a larger pool of funds that can:

Provide food and shelter for those in need.
Support life-saving medical research.
Fund educational programmes for children.
Protect vulnerable animals.

The process is identical to our standard exchange—simply send us your currency, and we’ll ensure the full value goes directly to a partnered charity. It’s the perfect way to convert foreign coins and banknotes into a force for good.

If you're wondering where to start, you can learn more about how to donate foreign coins through our dedicated programme.

Got Questions About Old Portuguese Currency? We’ve Got Answers.

We know that dealing with old, foreign money can feel a bit confusing. You’ve probably got a few questions floating around, especially after finding that stash of old escudos from a holiday years ago. We’ve put together some straightforward answers to the most common queries we get.

Our goal is to clear up any confusion and leave you feeling confident about what to do with those old coins and banknotes.

Can I Still Exchange Portuguese Escudos at the Bank of Portugal?

Unfortunately, no. The ship has sailed on exchanging escudos through official channels. The final deadline for swapping escudo banknotes at the Banco de Portugal was back on 28th February 2022. For coins, the window closed much earlier, on 31st December 2002.

But don't toss them just yet! Just because the bank won't take them doesn't mean they're worthless. Our fast and easy service is specifically designed to give you cash for these forgotten currencies.

Are My Old Portuguese Coins Valuable to Collectors?

It’s the question everyone asks! While it's true that a very rare coin in mint condition might catch a collector's eye, the reality is that the vast majority of leftover holiday money isn't what they're looking for. Most of what people have are common circulation coins and notes.

That’s where we come in. Our service is the perfect solution for turning typical leftover currency into real money, without the hassle of trying to find a specialist buyer. We make it simple to convert foreign coins and banknotes that still have exchange value.

It's interesting to look back at how the escudo stacked up against the pound. The Bank of England kept official records of the GBP to PTE exchange rate from 1975 right up until 2001. Just before Portugal switched to the euro, the pound was worth around 320 to 330 escudos. If you fancy a deeper dive, you can see the history in the Bank of England's historical data.

Why Is Your Service the Most Convenient Option?

We designed our service to be completely hassle-free and trustworthy. Think about it: you don't have to spend time sorting or identifying what you have, the banks won't accept it anyway, and finding a collector for everyday coins is a long shot.

We offer a fast, easy, and 100% guaranteed way to get cash for all your mixed foreign money in one go.

This straightforward approach is why we’re a trusted partner for major UK names, including charities, supermarkets, airports, and even police forces. You can also use our platform to donate foreign coins to charity, giving that old money a new lease on life and a worthy cause.

At We Buy All Currency, we turn forgotten money into real cash. Our service is fast, easy, and completely guaranteed. There’s no need to sort or count anything – just send us your old notes and coins, and we’ll handle the rest.

Ready to unlock the value in your old currency? Visit our homepage to get started today!