Bandeira - Bendera

OBV: Portuguese Macau 10 Patacas 1988

     A Bandeira de Portugal is hoisted at the Farol da Guia which signifies that Macau is an integral part of Portugal. Bendera is a loanword from the Portuguese language – bandeira. It was first introduced into the Malay Peninsular by the Portuguese as the Malacca Sultanate has never used a national flag for identification. The last Governor of Macau handles the Portuguese flag with utmost care and respect upon its removal during the transfer of sovereignty for Macau at the Palácio da Praia Grande.

Portuguese Macau 5 Patacas 1968

OBV: Portrait of O. Bispo D. Belchior Carneiro

REV: Lady and ships in centre

     Here is a Portuguese currency that was issued in Lisbon dated 21st of March 1968 for their overseas province of Macau. The pledge of the bank, pagável na província de Macau (payable in the province of Macau) is featured on the reverse; it was later removed without explanation. It bears the signature of Samuel Rodrigues Sanches (Administrator) and Francisco José Vieira Machado (Governor) under the management board. Printed by The De La Rue Company Limited and authorised by Executive Orders 39221 and 44891.

Portuguese Macau 10 Patacas 1988

OBV: Farol da Guia

REV: Baía da Praia Grande

     Here is a Portuguese currency that was initially issued in Macau as a special territory of Portugal on the 12th of May 1984. Overprints were later added to specific unissued banknotes of 10 Patacas from 1984 and were packaged as numismatic products in a folder to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Macau Grand Prix. It bears the signature of Mário Martins Adegas (Management Board) and Edmundo Martins Rocha (General Manager for the Department of Macau). Printed by Casa da Moeda de Lisboa and authorised by Decree-Law Nos. 24/81/M, 63/82/M and 39/84/M.

Luís de Camões

OBV: Portuguese Macau 50 Patacas 1981

     Luís de Camões is Portuguese language's greatest poet. He lost his right eye during a battle in Ceuta. The Chinese referred to him as tan ngan lou (one-eyed jack). He started working on his epic poem when he was serving as a chief warrant officer in Macau. According to popular legend, he saved his poems during a shipwreck by swimming with one arm while keeping the other arm above waters. Portugal's national day is commemorated after him.

Portuguese Macau 10 Patacas 1963

OBV: Portrait of O. Bispo D. Belchior Carneiro

REV: Lady and ships in centre

     Here is a Portuguese banknote that was issued in Lisbon dated 8th of April 1963 for their overseas province of Macau. Issued postage stamps in blue were once banned in Macau during the 1950s as blue is synonymous with grief to the Chinese. However, it seems that this rule does not apply to banknotes. It bears the signature of António Júlio de Castro Fernandes (Administrator) and Francisco José Vieira Machado (Governor) under the management board. Printed by Bradbury Wilkinson and Company; and authorised by Executive Order 39221.

Banco Nacional Ultramarino Historical Building

OBV: Portuguese Macau 20 Patacas 1996

REV: Macau 20 Patacas 2005

     Banco Nacional Ultramarino is formerly responsible for issuing currency in Portugal's former overseas provinces. Its head office in Macau has remained in the same location (Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro) since 1926. It was renovated several times adapting it to modern needs. A new structure was added to the old building in accordance with the design of architect Bruno Soares while maintaining the ancient facade. The new building is now a well-known landmark in Macau.

Portuguese Macau 5 Patacas 1976

OBV: Portrait of O. Bispo D. Belchior Carneiro

REV: Lady and ships in centre

     Here is a Portuguese currency that was issued in Lisbon dated 18th of November 1976 for their overseas province of Macau. Portuguese issued banknotes typically bear many different signatories despite having the same date. It bears the signature of Alberto Alves de Oliveira Pinto (President) and José Andrade Soares under the management board. Printed by The De La Rue Company Limited and authorised by Executive Orders 39221 and 44891.