Portuguese Explorer II - FSU*Noles 2006 Portugal Geocoin

This is a new replacement coin for the original Portuguese Explorer geocoin (TBXNK5), which went missing after 4,000 miles, 3 States, and 2 Countries. I hope this one can travel far and wide, and see many cool and interesting things!

This 2006 Portugal Geocoin is being released into the wild, free to travel from cache to cache. It has a very nice nautical theme to both sides, and bears the words "o mundo é o nosso navio" across the front - which literally translates to "the world is our ship". It's a very fitting theme for the history of the Portuguese, who were early pioneers in the exploration of the world - once considered the foremost colonizing power in Europe, the Portuguese empire during "The Period of Discoveries" stretched all the way from Brazil to the Indies.

The cross on the front, which is also featured on the outside rims on both sides, is a version of the symbol used by the Order of Christ. Many Portuguese discoveries were funded by the order, and the symbol was used on the sails of the Portuguese Discovery ships. Although it is not on the official Portuguese flag, it remains a prominent symbol of Portugal even today, and is used everywhere from the sides of military craft to country's soccer jerseys.

This is truly a beautiful coin with a nice, clean design and I'm hoping lots of people will get a chance to see and enjoy it. In the grand tradition of Portuguese exploration, it's goal is to see and explore as much as possible - hopefully gathering many miles, stories, and adventures as it travels. Pictures are always welcome, and thanks for keeping it moving!

• 4/3/07 - Official launch at GC11F1J "Gravois Creek Geo-coin Travelodge"! (Fenton, MO)
• 10/1/07 - State #2: Illinois! (Shiloh, IL) Thanks, CHAOS!
• 10/14/07 - State #3: California! (Rancho Cucamonga, CA) Thanks, PennyPacker!
• 11/10/07 - Event Cache! GC16RFF "WWFM - CV"! (Palm Springs, CA) Thanks, Webfoot!