Portuguese 50 Cent Euro Coin (Base Metal / Not Gold)
Coin (Numismatic/Currency) · Nordic Gold (89% copper, 5% aluminium, 5% zinc, and 1% tin).
Purity: 0K / 0% (Base Metal). This item is composed of Nordic Gold, which is a copper-based alloy containing no actual gold content.
Type
Coin (Numismatic/Currency)
Purity
0K / 0% (Base Metal). This item is composed of Nordic Gold, which is a copper-based alloy containing no actual gold content.
Gold Type
Nordic Gold (89% copper, 5% aluminium, 5% zinc, and 1% tin).
Weight
7.80 grams (Standard weight for a 50 Euro Cent coin).
Description
This is a standard circulation 50 Euro Cent coin from Portugal. It features the 1142 royal seal of Dom Afonso Henriques at the center. Despite its common name 'Nordic Gold,' it contains no precious metal. This specific specimen shows heavy environmental toning or chemical staining, giving it a mottled reddish-brown appearance over its brassy base.
Key Features
Scalloped edge, Portuguese royal seal, 'Nordic Gold' alloy, 12 stars of the EU surrounding the design.
Color & Finish
Yellowish-brass hue with significant dark brown reddish oxidation and spotting (toning). Originally a bright golden luster, now heavily patinated.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No purity hallmarks. Features the Portuguese national side: the royal seal of 1142, surrounded by seven castles and five escutcheons, with 'PORTUGAL' and the date '2002' inscribed.
Dimensions Estimate
24.25 mm diameter, 2.38 mm thickness.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. The coin is struck from a solid planchet of base metal.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable. The edge is 'scalloped' (fine-milled edge with seven indentations).
Chain & Links
Not applicable. The edge feature is referred to as 'scalloped' or 'Spanish Flower' shape.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck circulation strike. Detail is sharp in the central seal, but the overall finish is degraded by surface corrosion.
Authentication Indicators
The design matches exactly the 50 cent Portugal 2002 issue. The presence of 'scalloping' and specific 'Nordic Gold' oxidation patterns (reddish-brown) are consistent with genuine base-metal currency.
Origin & Maker
Portugal; Minted by Imprensa Nacional - Casa da Moeda (INCM).
Era & Period
Contemporary (2000s-present); First Series of Euro coinage.
Age Estimate
Circa 2002 (as indicated by the date on the coin).
Cultural Significance
Represents the transition of Portugal to the Eurozone and depicts historic symbols of Portuguese heraldry and independence.
Condition Notes
Poor to Fair. The coin exhibits heavy oxidation, surface staining, and minor circulation wear. The dark patches suggest exposure to moisture or chemicals.
Value Estimate
Melt value: ~0.05 USD (Copper/Zinc value). Face value: 0.50 EUR. No gold value.
Care & Maintenance
As a low-value circulation coin, it requires no special care. Cleaning is generally discouraged for collectors as it can damage the surface, though this item has little numismatic premium.
Similar Items
10 Cent Euro (smaller), 20 Cent Euro (scalloped with different grooves), 1 Euro (bi-metallic).
Interesting Facts
'Nordic Gold' was developed specifically for coins to be non-allergenic, antimicrobial, and resistant to tarnishing, though this example shows it can still oxidize significantly under certain conditions.