Ouro e diamantes: as dificuldades da cobrança dos direitos reais

Abstract

During the reign of John the 5th the royal policy towards Brazil was characterised by the desire to collect what was due to the Royal Treasure in gold and later on in diamonds. Several methods were tried in what gold was concerned: first, the "fintas" then the mints and later the plan of "capitação" suggested by Alexandre de Gusmão. As to diamonds the Portuguese Crown hesitated between the free mining and the royal monopoly. The contracts were the solution found in the last years of the reign in order to control an excessive production.