  We study the role of intruder states and shape coexistence in the even-even
$^{190-206}$Po isotopes, through an interacting boson model with configuration
mixing calculation. We analyzed the results in the light of known systematics
on various observable in the Pb region, paying special attention to the
unperturbed energy systematics and quadrupole deformation. We find that shape
coexistence in the Po isotopes behaves in very much the same way as in the Pt
isotopes, i.e., it is somehow hidden, contrary to the situation in the Pb and
the Hg isotopes.
