BRAZIL. 20000 Reis, 1725-M. Minas Gerais Mint. Joao V. NGC MS-62. KM-117; Fr-33; LMDB-249. A richly toned example of this short-lived, massive 18th century type (weighing in at just over the weight of two Spanish 8 Escudos!) that showcases soft luster in the fields and no major instances of contact over the surfaces. The extraordinary strike, even and bold, is perhaps the most gratifying and unusual attribute of this coin and is enhanced by the absence of the frequently-observed adjustment lines running across the planchet. Once part of the Millennia Collection, this coin showcases the finest rendering of the intricate "shields within the shield" design that this writer has seen. Considering these attributes and its important provenance, we expect significant attention from the type collector that awards a premium to coins detailed precisely as the original engraver intended.Hailing from the House of Braganza, Joao V was born in 1689 and ascended to the throne in 1706 upon the death of his father, Peter II. His rather lengthy reign of nearly 44 years saw an expanding of the kings unquestioned rule as well as an expanding of Portugals territorial holdings abroad. The latter, especially in Brazil, accounted for the amassing of great wealth from the highly lucrative gold mines located there. Aligning himself well, he donated heavily to the papacy, with then-Pope Benedict XIV styling Joao as the "Most Faithful Majesty." Furthering securing himself in European affairs, he married Maria Anna of Austria, daughter of Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I and emanating from the powerful Habsburg ruling dynasty.</em> From the Oro del Nuevo Mundo Collection.Ex: Millennia Collection (Goldberg 5/2008) Lot # 968.