Portugal 1 Escudo (1926) – The Final Issue of the First Republic The 1926 1 Escudo is a coin of profound historical significance, marking the final year of the Portuguese First Republic. Struck in aluminum-bronze, this issue was produced during a year of extreme national upheaval, culminating in the May 28th military coup that ended the parliamentary republic. Because the political regime changed so abruptly, the 1926 series serves as a closing chapter for the numismatic iconography of the era. With a mintage of 2,346,000 pieces, it is significantly scarcer than the high-volume 1924 issue, and because it was quickly superseded by the new "Alpaca" designs of the second republic in 1927, many 1926 specimens were withdrawn or lost to the melting pot. The coin’s design is a classic example of Republican artistic ideals. The obverse features a seated allegory of the Republic, inspired by the French "Marianne," holding an olive branch and resting on a shield. This figure was designed by the renowned artist Simões de Almeida (Sobrinho), whose name appears in the legend. The reverse displays the value "1 Escudo" within a wreath of oak and laurel, symbolizing strength and victory. Struck with a diameter of 26.8 mm and a weight of 8 grams, this coin was the workhorse of the Portuguese economy during its most unstable decade, making high-grade survivors a true rarity.