Portugal of the past was a major world power - its empire extending from Americas to the Far East.
The first worldwide currency is attributed to a Portuguese gold coin issued in the 15th Century, named the 'Português'. The gold mostly coming from the Gold mines of Ghana. The coin received so much global acclaim, that many other European powers opted to mint their own version - see below image for more information.
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Interestingly, the first Portuguese coins, minted upon Portugal's independence from the Moors, during the Reign of King Afonso I were given a name originating from an Islamic coin popular in the Iberian Peninsula - the Morabitino - see below image for more information.
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Soon after the 'Português' coin was struck, the Portuguese empire extended all the way to Qatar. The remnants of a Portuguese Fort can be found in the North West coast of Qatar. Likewise a trademark of Portuguese sailors can still be found in many Arabic houses today - see image below for more information.
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