Azorean real

File:AZO-11-Banco De Portugal-10 Mil Reis Ouro (1905).jpg

Azores Banco de Portugal - 10,000 Reis in gold (1905).

The real was the currency of the Azores until 1911. It was equal to the Portuguese real. Coins were issued specifically for the Azores until 1901 and notes were issued between 1895 and 1910. Although the Portuguese escudo replaced the real (1000 réis = 1 escudo) in 1911, the banknotes continued to circulate until 1932.

Coins

In the late 18th century, copper 5, 10 and 20 réis and silver 75, 150 and 300 réis coins were issued. Production of silver coins ceased in 1798. In 1829, emergency coins were issued by Maria II on Terceira Island. These were 80 réis coins cast in gun or bell metal. From 1843, smaller, copper 5, 10 and 20 réis were issued, with the 20 réis ceasing in 1866 whilst the 5 and 20 réis continued until 1901. In both 1871 and 1887, various foreign coins were overstamped for use on the Azores. This produced denominations of 10, 20, 40, 120, 300, 600 and 1200 réis in 1871 and 15, 120, 300, 600 and 1200 réis in 1887.

Banknotes

The Banco de Portugal first issued paper currency in the Azores in 1876 In 1895, 5000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000 réis notes were issued by the Agencias dos Açôres. These were followed by the 1905-1910 issue Banco de Portugal notes, overstamped with "Açôres", in denominations of 2500, 5000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000 réis.