100 kwanzas 1979

Common. eBay market data shows consistent sales in the $1.35–$22.50 range across various grades from 2009–2021, with most examples trading well below $25 regardless of grade. Catalog values (2019) list UNC examples at only $7.50, indicating substantial print runs and ready availability in the market. PMG population data reflects minimal number of professionally graded examples, but this is typical for lesser-collected African issues rather than evidence of rarity. The note is readily obtainable for collectors of Angola or early post-colonial African currency.

Issued by the Banco Nacional de Angola on August 14, 1979, just four years after Angola's independence on November 11, 1975 (a date commemorated on the note itself), this currency reflects the young nation's transition to sovereignty under Neto's leadership. The reverse's depiction of industrial workers—specifically textile factory workers—illustrates the new government's emphasis on economic development and labor-based nation-building during the immediate post-colonial period. The imagery celebrates both political independence and the aspirations for industrial modernization in the newly liberated state.

The obverse features a formal portrait of Dr. António Agostinho Neto, Angola's first president following independence, depicted wearing glasses and a cap, shown in profile facing right in formal attire with suit and tie. The portrait is positioned at the right side of the note and serves as the primary focal point. The left side displays an ornate circular rosette design incorporating the denomination '100' in the center. The reverse depicts an industrial manufacturing scene celebrating labor and nation-building, showing multiple women working in a textile factory or similar manufacturing facility with machinery, conveyor systems, and workstations. Decorative '100' denomination markers appear in ornate boxes on both left and right edges. Both sides incorporate elaborate rosette patterns, fine-line engraving work, and a star watermark symbol, all rendered in green, white, and black with cream-tone accents.

FRONT: 'BANCO NACIONAL DE ANGOLA' (National Bank of Angola); '11 DE NOVEMBRO DE 1975' (November 11, 1975 - Independence Day); 'CEM KWANZAS' (One Hundred Kwanzas); '100' (denomination); 'O GOVERNADOR' (The Governor); 'O MINISTRO DAS FINANÇAS' (The Minister of Finance); 'LUANDA, 14 DE AGOSTO DE 1978' (Luanda, August 14, 1978 - note: catalog states 1979, image shows 1978); 'CAMARADA AGOSTINHO NETO' (Comrade Agostinho Neto). BACK: 'CEM KWANZAS' (One Hundred Kwanzas); '100' (denomination); '11 DE NOVEMBRO DE 1975' (November 11, 1975); 'ANGOLA' (Angola).

Intaglio engraving (recess printing), evidenced by the fine line work, sharp detail clarity, and complex engraved patterns throughout both obverse and reverse. The note features multiple rosette designs and intricate background patterns characteristic of high-security intaglio production. No overprint is visible on this specimen. The printer for Angolan currency during this period was typically handled by established European security printers, though specific attribution is not confirmed for this Pick number.

This specimen represents the standard P-115 variety with the Independence date ('11 DE NOVEMBRO DE 1975') printed below the bank name—distinguishing it from the earlier P-111 variant (per catalog note). The visible serial number is 'B080870' with two serial numbers present as typical for this issue. No significant varieties within P-115 are documented beyond this date distinction from P-111. The issue date on the note itself shows 'LUANDA, 14 DE AGOSTO DE 1978' (inconsistent with the catalog-listed 1979), which may reflect the official authorization date versus release date.