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The Imprensa Nacional Casa da Moeda (INCM) has released new silver Proof coins marking the 125th anniversary of the founding of the Vasco da Gama Aquarium located at the gates of Lisbon, which functions both as an aquarium and a museum. It is one of the oldest museum aquariums in the world, visited by successive generations of spectators since its inauguration on the 20th May 1898. Presided over by King Carlos I of Portugal (1863–1908), the idea and establishment of an aquatic museum was at his behest, having been an accomplished oceanographer who often carried out experiments on the royal yacht Amelia. It was the king’s belief that the study of the ocean could unlock an immense treasure trove of knowledge, especially for a country whose history was so closely connected to the sea. When planning his many oceanographic excursions, King Carlos was especially concerned with studying subjects that could contribute to the economic development of Portugal. As such, the Aquatic Museum also houses the many artefacts and objects acquired by King Carlos, which are known as the Royal collection, and displayed in the reserved Salão Nobre, still intact to the present day.
Construction of the purpose-built compound to house the aquarium in Oeiras, Lisbon, commenced in December 1897. Although the complete works ended in July 1898, the aquarium was dedicated on the 20th May. The project was led by two French master builders, Charles Vieillard and Fernand Touset, who were living in Lisbon at the time. The idea of the first public aquarium in Portugal was actually part of a major international exhibition to celebrate the 4th centenary anniversary of the Sea Route to India travelled by Vasco da Gama in 1498. The aquarium and museum are named in his honour. Since 1901, the aquarium has been managed by the Portuguese navy, which provides a budget for the maintenance of the grounds and equipment; the remaining operating expenses are generated from revenue generated by the sale of merchandise and entry tickets. Today, the aquarium has been modified to comprise five main rooms, with 90 aquariums and tanks. The vast oceanographic collection of King Carlos remains on display, along with more than 300 live marine species and thousands more in the museum. The Vasco Da Gama Aquarium welcomes an average of 70 thousand visitors per year, many of whom make a point of stopping by to view the Window to the Ocean, where it is possible to interact with the ocean virtually, and “dive” below the depths of the sea. This wall-sized window consists of a large high-definition interactive screen, where visitors can find different marine species of the Portuguese coast, discover their habitat, and their various characteristics.
Designed by the artist Baiba Šime, the coin’s obverse depicts a stylised image of a giant squid centred, belonging to the genus Architeuthis; it is one of the most emblematic marine animals at the Vasco da Gama Aquarium. Above the primary design is the text LITERACIA DOS MARES (“Understanding the Seas”) with the sterling silver Proof strikes accented with subtle purple colour enhancing the squid’s tentacles.
The reverse side highlights another fascinating underwater creature, a stylised image of the exoskeleton of a sea urchin, a species that forms part of the eco-system along the Portuguese coast. The text around the primary design reads 7,50 EURO REPUBLICA PORTUGUESA 2023. Aqua-blue colour highlights the design on the underside of the sea urchin.
| Denom. |
Metal |
Weight | Diameter | Quality |
Maximum Mintage |
| 7,50 euro |
Cupro-nickel |
18.5 g | 33 mm | Brilliant Unc. |
30,000 |
| 7,50 euro |
.925 Silver |
13.5 g | 33 mm | Proof |
2,500 |
The silver Proof-quality coins are each encapsulated and presented in a custom case made of a natural Portuguese cork base and a Perspex cover accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. For additional information about these coins and other coins available from the INCM, please visit their website.
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Beautiful coin…with so much history…something to rejoice for long periods of time
Hello Mahesh,
I visited the Aquarium several years ago and was quite impressed with the displays, and that’s why I had this coin on my radar. As I mentioned to my editor about the coin, I was a little surprised there was no reference in the design to King Carlos whose idea the Aquarium was, his own collection is still prominently displayed in a separate room and very interesting.
Yes, also since the aquarium and museum was inaugurated to celebrate 400 years of Vasco Da Gama’s Sea Route to India , they could have used and also commemorate 525th anniversary of Sea route to India with this coin!!!
I think they missed few opportunities here !!!
Nevertheless, wonderful effort
Perhaps, they could have used a crown that offers a little more real estate for such ideas..
Though it looks far fetched but if someone is reading this blog at INCM and Portugal Navy, they may make amends by either issuing a 2nd coin in coming months highlighting King Carlos and Sea Route to India ( becomes am accompanying coin) or a silver medal !
A unique way to keep collectors intrigued and happy…
Hello Mahesh,
A nod to King Carlos and his efforts to establish the Aquarium appears only in my own artwork where I included his monogram, I would have loved to see a small cameo effigy of Carlos somewhere in the design or as you suggest, a small crown. As a keen collector of Portuguese coins, Carlos’ coinage included two beautiful silver crowns, so this might have been a nice opportunity to tie in old and new.
One of the two crown coins of Carlos was issued in 1898 on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of Portugal’s discovery of the Route to India and the establishment of Goa.
Wonderful observations and suggestions Michael. Over the years, I have developed more interest in Numismatics mainly for two reasons 1) due to your blogs and the messages we exchange here 2) it is a tangible reason and in a way mechanism to remain inquisitive / curious and learn more about topic that otherwise I may have passed by …and this hobby provides me a way to hold and own some part of it …albeit at a cost…I’m not sure if I’m able to put it across but it is certainly very rewarding for me …in terms of satisfaction that I’m able to derive out of it…
Thank you once again for your contributions ..I look forward to your blog on tatra 603 , though I’m disappointed that I haven’t not been able to find an effective way to get this coin
Hello Mahesh,
Thank you for your kind comments, coin collecting is for many an activity which is life-long even if there are great gaps in acquiring one coin from another. For others, it’s not only the reward of blending a love of history and admiring the artwork on so many coins, it’s simply the pursuit and finally obtaining something on a ‘want list’
The activity can be pricey but hopefully the majority of those items hold their value over the years. I’ve also travelled to most parts of the world in connection with coins, met many interesting people along the way and still discover topics or facts, yes still learning from a coin.
The Czech coin will also have a link to the National Bank’s partner / distributors so, it may be worthwhile sending emails or visiting websites listed and see if they have one of the Tatra 603’s left.