Portuguese people
Portugaleser or Portugalöser is the name given to the imitation of the Portuguese gold coin Portuguez, which is particularly widespread in northern Germany and the Baltic Sea region .
Most of these coins were minted in the Hamburg mint from 1553 onwards . There were whole, half and quarter pieces. Since, according to the Augsburg Imperial Coin Regulations, only gulden and ducats were allowed as gold coins in the German Empire, the Portuguese gradually fell out of use in the middle of the 17th century and from 1676 onwards were only minted as medals with a value of 10 ducats.
Today, Portuguese citizens are awarded as a medal of honor by the Hanseatic City of Hamburg, for example for special voluntary commitment or to foreign state guests. The Portuguese “Citizens Thank You” in silver is awarded annually at the Citizens 'Day by the Central Committee of Hamburg Citizens' Associations from 1886 rV to people who have made a special contribution to the well-being of Hamburg citizens in the areas of public work, science, art, economy or media. The silver Portuguese is given as a symbolic thank you. It should also remind the mentioned areas not to forget the needs of the citizens.
The Portuguese “Bürger Danken” in bronze is awarded annually to members of civic associations who have made an effort for the well-being of Hamburg citizens through excellent work inside or outside their associations, and to associations that have worked for the well-being of Hamburg citizens for many years .