Before the introduction of the Euro, the currency of Portugal was the Portuguese Escudo. The Escudo was the official currency of Portugal for nearly 500 years, from the 15th century until it was replaced by the Euro in 1999. The Escudo was subdivided into 100 Centavos and was denoted by the symbol "Esc" or "$".

The Portuguese Escudo was first introduced in 1431 during the reign of King Edward, and it remained in circulation for centuries, undergoing several revaluations and devaluations over the years. The Escudo was used in Portugal, as well as in its former colonies such as Mozambique, Angola, and Cape Verde.

With the adoption of the Euro as the official currency of Portugal in 1999, the Escudo was gradually phased out and ceased to be legal tender in 2002. The transition to the Euro was part of Portugal's commitment to the European Union and the Eurozone, which aimed to create a single currency for all member countries.

Today, the Euro is the sole currency used in Portugal, making it easier for residents and tourists to conduct transactions without the need for currency exchange. The Euro is denoted by the symbol "€" and is used in 19 of the 27 European Union countries.

For more information on the history of the Portuguese Escudo and the transition to the Euro, you can visit the Bank of Portugal website. The Bank of Portugal provides detailed information on the currency system in Portugal and its evolution over the years.

In conclusion, the currency of Portugal before the Euro was the Portuguese Escudo, which had been in circulation for centuries before being replaced by the Euro in 1999. The adoption of the Euro marked a significant milestone in Portugal's economic integration with the European Union and the Eurozone, streamlining financial transactions and trade within the region.

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