The Portuguese Starter Kit was issued on 17 December 2001, priced at PTE 2005 and includes 34 coins:
Portuguese euro coins show three different designs for each of the three series of coins, representing the first Portuguese King, D. Afonso Henriques. However, they are quite similar in that all contain old royal mints and seals within a circle of seven castles and five coats of arms and the word "Portugal". Also featured in the designs are the 12 stars of the EU and the year of minting. Designer Vitor Manuel Fernandes dos Santos, who drew his inspiration from historical symbols and the seals of the first King of Portugal, won the Portuguese Euro Design competition. The Portuguese Euro Zone includes the overseas territories of Azores and Madeira. |