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20 000 Reis
| Issuer | Banco Nacional Ultramarino |
|---|---|
| Year | 1909 |
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| Printer | Bradbury Wilkinson and Company, United Kingdom (1856-1990) |
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|---|---|
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| Reverse description | Central circular vignette with a seated allegorical female figure and a sailing ship, surrounded by the bank name in a circular legend, all set against an elaborate multicolour guilloche background in shades of red, orange, and yellow; denomination numeral "20" appears in large bold figures at left and right within ornamental cartouches. A rectangular panel at top centre carries the payability inscription. |
| Reverse lettering | PAGAVEL NA FILIAL EM S. THIAGO BANCO NACIONAL ULTRAMARINO (Translation: Payable in agency of St. Thiago National Bank Overseas) |
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| Comments |
Banco Nacional Ultramarino was established in 1864 specifically to manage currency and credit across Portugal's overseas territories, and by 1909 it held note-issuing rights across a sprawling collection of colonies from Mozambique to Macau. This particular note was issued for Portuguese India — Goa, Damão, and Diu — a jurisdiction that remained under Lisbon's control until the Indian Army's annexation in December 1961.
Bradbury Wilkinson had a long relationship with BNU across multiple territories, and their intaglio work on this series is technically accomplished. The 20,000 Réis denomination reflects the old Portuguese currency system, which would not be replaced by the Escudo until 1911 — meaning this note was printed under one monetary framework and likely circulated under another.