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20.000 Reis
| Issuer | Banco Mercantil Portuense, Porto |
|---|---|
| Year | 1885 |
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| Currency | Real (1430-1911) |
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| Obverse description | The obverse is arranged in a horizontal letterpress format, with the bank title BANCO MERCANTIL PORTUENSE in bold display lettering across the upper central field, above a promise-to-pay text in Portuguese script. A circular heraldic vignette occupies the left margin, framed by ornamental guilloche work. Denomination panels reading Rs 20,000 appear in the upper-left and lower-left corners, with the note number, treasurer designation, and issuing city and date inscribed across the face. |
|---|---|
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
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| Reverse lettering | VINTE MIL REIS 20.000 20.000 |
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| Comments |
The Banco Mercantil Portuense was one of several regional Portuguese banks of issue operating during the latter half of the nineteenth century, a period when the Banco de Portugal had not yet consolidated monopoly control over note issuance. Porto's commercial banking sector was robust, feeding off Atlantic trade, and the Mercantil Portuense was a serious institution — not a provincial footnote.
At 20,000 Réis, this is a high-denomination instrument, almost certainly used for wholesale commercial transactions rather than retail circulation. Survival rate for high-face notes from this issuer is low; most were presented for redemption rather than saved.