Coins of King Afonso I (1128-1185)
The coins of King Afonso I, also known as Afonso Henriques, mark the beginning of Portuguese numismatics. As the founder of the Portuguese kingdom, he ruled from 1128 to 1185, consolidating independence from León and shaping the early identity of the nation. His reign introduced the first silver dinheiros and half‑dinheiros, often linked to the bolhão alloy, as well as the prestigious gold morabitino inspired by Almoravid dinars. These early issues reflect the formation of the new kingdom and are among the most iconic and sought‑after pieces in Portuguese coin collecting.