1914 Mozambique • Banco Nacional Ultramarino

50 Centavos | Pick #61 | BNU MZ59 | PMG 30 Very Fine

Key Note Highlights:
  • Early colonial WWI-era issue dated 5 de Novembro de 1914 for Lourenço Marques (Maputo).
  • Issued without counterfoil, featuring the distinct blue Seal Type III (steamship sailing left).
  • Engraved and printed in London by Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co.

Detailed Visual & Design Breakdown

🔍 Obverse (Front) Design:

Printed with an olive-green border and complex multi-color pink/salmon and green guilloche center underprint. The header arch reads BANCO NACIONAL ULTRAMARINO with EM LOURENÇO MARQUES in blue type at the upper center. On the left is an ornate rosette containing 50 CENTAVOS, balanced on the right by the Portuguese national coat of arms (armillary sphere and shield). Denomination "CINCOENTA CENTAVOS / MOEDA CORRENTE" sits in the center. The lower center displays the blue circular bank seal: steamship vignette with text "BANCO NACIONAL ULTRAMARINO / COLONIAS COMMERCIO AGRICULTURA". Flanked by red serial numbers 6,155,707, dated 5 de Novembro de 1914 in Lisbon.

🔍 Reverse (Back) Design:

Rendered in sepia-brown intaglio with a light blue and beige tint underprint. Center features a classical allegory of a seated maritime maiden looking toward a sailing galleon ship on calm seas. Banners overhead display BANCO NACIONAL ULTRAMARINO, flanking two large cartouches bearing the denomination 0$50. The lower border bears the engraver imprint "BRADBURY, WILKINSON & C.ª L.ᴰᴬ GRAVADORES, LONDRES".

Banknote Specifications

Issuing Authority Banco Nacional Ultramarino (Mozambique)
Date of Issue 5 de Novembro de 1914
Denomination 50 Centavos (0$50)
Catalog Ref Pick #61 | BNU MZ59
Serial Number 6,155,707
Branch / Variety Lourenço Marques • Seal Type III • W/Out Counterfoil
Printer Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co., London
Grading Service PMG (Paper Money Guaranty)
Grade 30 Very Fine
Certification Number 2277940-032
The banknote pictured is the exact certified piece you will receive. Authenticity and grade are independently guaranteed by PMG.