Portuguese occupation of Malacca. Joao III (1521-1527). Tin bastardo. 9.6g. VF+. Joao III (1521-1527). Tin dinheiro. 4.32g. VF+ XF Obverse: Navigational sphere. Reverse: Portuguese Royal Coat of Arms (bastardo). ISMA (Ioannes Senhor Malacca) The Malacca Sultanate which dominated much of the Malay peninsula and Sumatran Indonesia was conquered and colonized by the Portuguese from 1511 for approximately 130 years before they were annexed by the Dutch. During the Portuguese occupation, crude tin coinage became the medium of exchange and trade. The bastardo was one of the larger if not the largest denominations and most were crudely struck and worn thus better conditioned pieces became exceedingly scarce.
Very cool Portuguese additions, Loong-S (congrats) Ummm, I married a sweet Portuguese girl ... does that score me any points?
"bastardo" is right up there on my list for coolest coin denomination name! this is second favorite.. the coins look pretty different, the style of the first is crude, the second looks more like a modern coin to me. cool stuff LS!
Thanks... you are right.. these tin coins are notoriously common in poor conditions.. I was delighted in finding these conditions..
