- This article is about the Portuguese coin. For the currency of São Tomé and Príncipe, see São Tomé and Príncipe dobra.
An 1886 illustration of a Brazilian dobra of John V.
The dobra was a gold coin issued by the Kingdom of Portugal, first during the reign of King Peter I (1357-1367), and later during the rule of John V (1706-1750).
History[]
The dobra was first issued during the reign of King Peter I (Pedro I), which lasted from 1357 until his death in 1367. It had a value equal to 82 soldi (984 dinheiros or 4.1 libras).
The name "dobra" was not used again until the reign of John V (1706-1750), when the "dobra de oito escudos" (8 escudos) and "dobra de quatro escudos" (4 escudos) were introduced, respectively valued at 12,800 and 6400 reis. In accordance with a proclamation made in 1732, the 8 escudo coin was discontinued, and over time disappeared from circulation. Also, in 1731 pattern "dobra" coins denominated at 16 and 24 escudos were minted but never put into circulation. In 1750, the dobra, now reduced in value to only 4 escudos, or 6400 reis, received the colloquial name "peca", which was used until production of the coin ceased in 1799.