Portugal Cruzado Novo silver 1822, King João VI, EF to UNC condition, low crown with 43 pearls, simple cross, small date digits and symmetric Cross of the Order of Christ 21 mm. Typology AG 12.05 / KM#358. Scarce in this grade - EF/UNC.

Portugal, anepigraphic silver vintém coin (20 réis) from the reign of King João V (1706–1750), corresponding to a rare variant featuring an armillary sphere between dots. This is the second example of this variant I am aware of, displaying atypical characteristics that distinguish it from others of the same type. Among the dots flanking the sphere, the one on the left is set apart, while the dot on the right is positioned closely against the sphere. The pearl crowning the top of the armillary sphere is surmounted by a prominent pointer aligned with the meridian. The equator appears incomplete, being visible only on the left side of the sphere, with no continuation to the right. The zodiac begins on the right, over the Tropic of Cancer, and ends on the left, over the Tropic of Capricorn. The armillary sphere is supported by a tripod base with a central orb. This variant is listed only in the most recent edition of the Alberto Gomes catalogue — 7th edition, 2021 — under code J5.41.02a, with the designation “Equador entre pontos” ("Equator between dots"). However, this reference does not identify the various sub-variants, each of which displays distinctive features that may differ significantly from one coin to another. World Coins Portugal KM#330