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Auction: 26009 - World & British Banknotes featuring the Jersey Collection Part II
Lot: 182

Banco Nacional Ultramarino, Mozambique, [2 notes] pair of front and back proofs for 100 Escudos, Lisbon, 24th July 1958,

These attractive uniface proofs capture the development of the 100 Escudos as they were in 1958. The basic design was inherited from the issue of 16th February 1950, retaining the portrait of Aires de Ornelas on the obverse and the gateway of the Fortress of São Sebastião on Mozambique Island on the reverse, while introducing the circular seal of the Banco Nacional Ultramarino at left. By 1958 the constitutional reforms of 1951 (Portugal's colonies having been redesignated as overseas provinces) rendered the former legends "Colónia Portuguesa" and "Pagável na Colónia de Moçambique" obsolete. The reverse proof accordingly reads "Pagável na Província de Moçambique", but a manuscript instruction on the mounting card replaces this in turn with the simpler "Pagável em Moçambique" found on the issued notes.

Further annotations specify the Series B numbering and that the Portuguese coat of arms should measure 25mm in height. The obverse bears the date 24th July 1958 and cites Decree-Law No. 39221 of 25th May 1953, which authorised a new agreement between the Portuguese Government and the Banco Nacional Ultramarino.

Aires de Ornelas (1866-1930) was closely associated with Portuguese rule in Mozambique. He served in the military campaigns of 1895, became chief of staff to Mouzinho de Albuquerque and was appointed Governor of the District of Lourenço Marques in 1905, before serving as Minister of the Navy and Overseas Affairs. The gateway on the reverse belongs to the Fortress of São Sebastião, constructed between 1558 and 1620 on Mozambique Island, one of the principal strongholds guarding Portugal's maritime route through the Indian Ocean.

(Pick 107 for type, PAPM MZ212dp), proofs good extremely fine, mounting boards with some minor staining and handling, an exceptional pair of working proofs documenting the final development of this issue

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Estimate
£400 to £600

Starting price
£280