The Art of the Pen - Luís Vaz de Camões

Monnaie de Paris is celebrating Portuguese literature with Luiz Vaz de Camões, a 16th-century poet considered to be one of the most important literary figures in the Portuguese language. His most famous work is the poetic epic ‘The Lusiads’, which recounts the exploits of Portuguese explorers and celebrates the greatness of their nation.

Emblematic coins

The face of this coin shows Luís Vaz de Camões in profile, surrounded by waves and sea. There are many symbols referring to his maritime adventures: his strawberry and his hair turning into waves, the sailing ship on the horizon and the caravel on his right. This caravel is decorated with the Cross of the Order of Christ, symbol of the Portuguese nation, and an emblem made of a feather and a sword, evoking the sixteen years the author spent at sea and travelling in the Orient. His right eye, which he lost in battle in Morocco at the age of 23, is closed. The reverse is common to the entire series.