Portugal 5 Euro 2021 Aristides de Sousa Mendes

Portugal 5 Euro 2021 Aristides de Sousa Mendes. Portugal 5 Euro 2021 'Aristides de Sousa Mendes'. Aristides de Sousa Mendes is often seen as the bravest Portuguese who lived during WW2. Portugal was one of the few countries in Europe that remained neutral during WW2. Portugal was not occupied and was a refuge for many Jewish people. Aristides de Sousa Mendes helped thousands of Jews to flee to Portugal, and sometimes from Portugal to America. However, the government of Antonio de Oliveira Salazar had authority for Hitler and the so-called 'Circular 14' was introduced. As a result, consuls first had to request approval from Lisbon to issue a visa. Aristides de Sousa Mendes followed his heart and helped with false identities, without following the rules, supplying many Jews with a fake passport that allowed them to survive the war. Aristides de Sousa Mendes is seen as a national hero who tried to save every life and constantly fought against injustice. Aristides de Sousa Mendes is portrayed, together with his name, on the face of the coin. On the reverse is the value indication of 5 Euro, the country name Portugal, and the year of issue, 2021, along with the coat of arms of Portugal. The coin is packed in a printed coin holder.