Coin countermarked with 500 Réis from the reign of King Afonso VI (1656–1667), in accordance with the Law of March 22, 1663, in the Kingdom of Portugal, and with the Royal Decree of July 6, 1663, and the Regulation of July 7, 1663, in the Kingdom of Brazil. This countermark is struck over a silver Cruzado coin from the reign of King João IV (1640–1656). There are several known variants of these countermarks; this example corresponds to the variant bearing the letter “S” instead of the numeral “5,” forming “S00” (World Coins Portugal KM#437). King Afonso VI (1656–1683), known by the epithet “The Victorious,” was the twenty-third King of Portugal. He was born in 1643 and reigned from 1656 until his death in 1683. His wife was Dona Maria Francisca Luísa Isabel d’Aumale and of Savoy. During his reign, coins were minted in copper, silver, and gold, and some of the most emblematic Portuguese coins were issued. However, in this reign only a single coin type was struck in copper, with all remaining issues being in silver and gold.

Coin with 250 Réis countermark (rare “2S0” countermark, smaller size, variant type “G”) of King Afonso VI (1656–1667), applied on a Half Cruzado silver coin from Porto mint, of King João IV (1640–1656) — A. Gomes J4.91.11. The legend reads “...REX PORTVGALIE...” with smaller PPPP letters. Reference: World Coins Portugal KM#434.3. There are numerous unclassified and still-studied variants; however, this is the only coin I know of with this specific combination of typological and countermark variants, making it, in my opinion, an example of great rarity.