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2026 marks the 150th anniversary of the founding of Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD), Portugal's largest public financial institution. To commemorate this event, the Bank of Portugal and the National Mint have issued a special set of three collector coins that share a design but differ in their finishes, metals, and dimensions.
The series pays tribute to an institution founded in 1876 that, over the years, has become one of the pillars of the Portuguese financial system. The issue offers something for every type of collector: a widely distributed cupronickel coin, a silver Proof version with colored accents, and a stunning one-kilogram silver piece intended for the most exclusive segment of the market.
150 years of Portuguese financial history
Caixa Geral de Depósitos was founded on April 10, 1876, by Royal Decree with the initial objective of managing public and judicial deposits. Throughout its century and a half of existence, the institution has accompanied Portugal's economic development and has become the country's leading public financial institution.
To mark this anniversary, the Bank of Portugal and the National Mint-Casa da Moeda wanted to immortalize the event through an issue that opts for a modern visual language, far removed from the usual portraits or architectural representations.
A modern design for a historic institution
The three coins share a design created by the sculptor Hugo Maciel.
The reverse side features a design formed by the repetition of the Caixa Geral de Depósitos' graphic symbol, creating a circular structure that conveys continuity, growth, and permanence. The design is completed by the dates "1876-2026" and the inscription "150 ANOS DA CAIXA GERAL DE DEPÓSITOS" (150 Years of Caixa Geral de Depósitos).
This is a contemporary proposal that uses the institution's visual identity as the main artistic element, something unusual in European commemorative coins.
The obverse features a stylized interpretation of traditional Portuguese elements. The national coat of arms is placed on the armillary sphere, accompanied by the legends "PORTUGAL", "CASA DA MOEDA", the year "2026", the face value of "7.50 EURO" and the author's signature.
The cupronickel coin: the version for the general public
The first coin in the series is minted in cupronickel and is the most accessible version of the issue. Thanks to its high mintage, it will reach the largest number of Portuguese collectors and enthusiasts.
Although it is the simplest version, it fully preserves the design created for the commemoration and represents the most economical way to incorporate this issue into a collection.
The Proof version in silver: high-quality color and finish
The second coin in the series is minted in sterling silver and features a Proof finish. The mirrored background and matte reliefs allow for a clear appreciation of all the design details.
Furthermore, this variant incorporates color accents that highlight some of the graphic elements of the design. These chromatic details give the coin its own personality and make it probably the most visually striking piece in the series.
Its combination of silver, color, and Proof finish makes it the most attractive option for the traditional collector.
A spectacular one kilogram silver coin
The third and final version features the same design on a completely different scale. Minted from one kilogram of 999 fine silver and with a diameter of 100 millimeters, it is among the largest collector coins issued by Portugal in recent years.
Its enormous size allows for an extraordinary appreciation of all the elements of the composition designed by Hugo Maciel. The repetition of the Caixa symbol here takes on an almost sculptural dimension, transforming the coin into a true numismatic work of art.
With a print run of only 150 copies, it is intended for a small group of collectors and institutional buyers.
Characteristics of the three coins
Version Cupronickel Proof Silver Silver 1 kg
Facial €7.50 €7.50 €7.50
Metal CuNi 75/25 Ag 925‰ Ag 999‰
Weight 18.50 g 13.50 g 1,000 g
Diam. 33 mm 33 mm 100 mm
Quality Normal Proof color FDC
Print run 30,000 2,850 150
Price in Portugal Facial €87 €4,150
Three ways to celebrate the same anniversary
Although they share a design, the three coins offer very different experiences. The cupronickel version makes the commemoration accessible to a wider audience, the silver Proof adds exclusivity and color, while the impressive one-kilogram piece is positioned at the highest level of Portuguese numismatic collecting.
With this issue, Portugal commemorates the 150th anniversary of Caixa Geral de Depósitos through a series that combines accessibility, innovation and prestige, recalling the trajectory of an institution that has accompanied the country's economic history since 1876.
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