Also 9 joanese. [a. L. Joannes (see JOHN), in the legend of the coin.] The name by which the Portuguese dobra de quatro escudos or peça of Joannes or João V. (1703–1750), a gold coin of the value of 6,400 reis, or about 36s. sterling (also commonly called João), was known in the British American Colonies, etc. (Also familiarly jo, or JOE.) So Double johannes, Half johannes.
This coin was formerly largely current in New England, and in 1725 it was ordered by proclamation to pass current in Ireland for 40s.
1765. New Hampsh. Prov. Papers (1873), VII. 77. Be it Enacted … That one Guinea shall be valued at Twenty-eight shillings,… a Double Johannes or gold coin of Portygal of the value of Three pounds twelve shillings sterling at four pounds sixteen shillings. Ibid. (1768), 175. Counterfeit coin, mostly Dollars, Pistareens and Joannes.
1797. Sir H. Parker, in Naval Chron., X. 126. The pattern johannes, which the maker values at 4s. 9d.
1839. Penny Cycl., XV. 324. Joanese, Johanes, or Joe, a Portuguese gold coin, of 6400 rees.
1849. Freese, Comm. Class-bk., 85.
