Legend of the Portuguese Empire

Portugal has had a long proud history dating back to the time of the Crusades, and their legends live on in the symbols used on the heraldic coat of arms and inscriptions emblazoned on their coins. The inscription on the Obverse of this coin reads: IN HOC SIGNO VINCES : "In this [symbol] you will conquer," which refers to the holy cross and to the legendary sign of the "Quinas", Portugals Heraldic Symbol. Within the Portuguese Coat of Arms, there are "5 illuminated shields, representing the five defeated kings" of the "Battle of Orique." The legend reads as follows:

It was July 25, 1139 AD; Alphonso Henrique is leading his men into battle, and in the sky, he is graced with the vision of "5 illuminated shields". Alphonso knows that his men are heavily outnumbered by the 5 Moorish Kings, each with their armies. Jesus Christ suffered 5 Holy wounds when he stood on the cross, and with this symbol, it is now clear to Henrique that he and his men, fighting on behalf of Jesus Christ, were to be blessed with victory over their enemies. Before the day was over, they had vanquished their enemies, and beheaded 5 Kings. The Portuguese coat of arms bears a shield with the 5 shields within as a reference to this historic vision and pivotal military victory.