2016-09-01 Thu

On 29th August, Portugal issued the latest coin in a series named “Queens of Europe” featuring Catherine of Braganza (1638 – 1705), who was Queen Consort of England as the wife of King Charles II.

She was the eldest child and only surviving daughter of Juan, Duke of Braganza (1604 – 1656), and his wife Luiza Maria, Queen consort of Portugal. On December 12th, 1638 (the year of her birth), she was christened in a grand way at the couple’s ducal chapel.

The alliance between Catherine and King Charles I was politically beneficial for Portugal as trading privileges in the New World governed by Portugal was sought by England. England also supported Portuguese independence from Spain.

They married on May 21, 1662, in separate Anglican and Catholic ceremonies. Catherine was able to continue practicing her Catholicism, as she was not crowned Queen of England but was the Queen Consort of Portugal.

Catherine suffered three miscarriages and failed to give birth. She was not well versed with English customs and language. Many did not like her but she got all the support from her husband. She stayed loyal even though the King had mistresses and illegitimate offspring. She was also targeted by politicians for her Catholic religion. Even then she managed to stand her ground.

Catherine remained in England after the death of her husband in 1685. She introduced the tradition of drinking tea in the English court which still continues even today.

The obverse features a portrait of Catherine replicating a 1665 oil painting by Sir Peter Lely. The reverse features a vertically placed porcelain tea cup with the inscription FIVE O’CLOCK TEA, denomination and year of issue.

Three versions of the coin include a 5 euro Cupro-nickel 10 Grams coin with a mintage limit of 75,000 pieces; A 5 euro .925 Silver 15.5 Grams Proof coin with a mintage limit of 2500 pieces and a 5 euro .999 Gold 15.5 Grams Proof coin with a mintage limit of 2500 pieces.