Portugal 200-ESCUDOS (KM666)

Horse

This circulating commemorative coin was issued to celebrate... the introduction of the shotgun to Japan? That's what some sources say, but why the date range? Also, that is apparently a Japanese cavalry man riding the horse and aiming the espingarda.

I believe "espingarda" translates as "shotgun" but this source is more specific, calling it a Moorish musket. Muskets are muzzle-loading, but I believe shotguns fire from shells.

Finally, the Chinese characters that appear mean "iron" and "weapon" so there's that. I don't know, but I like the horse.


Diameter
36 mm
Composition
Copper-Nickel
Catalogue #
KM666
Obverse Legend
REPUBLICA PORTUGESA 1993 200 ESC
Reverse Legend
ESPINGARDA 1543-1575

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