20 escudos 1958 specimen

Common. The eBay market data shows consistent pricing for UNC specimens ranging from $275–$375 USD, with a 2016 catalog value of $50, indicating steady collector demand but not scarcity. While specimen notes command premiums over regular circulation issues, the Cape Verde 20 Escudos from this series was produced in sufficient quantities that specimens remain readily available in the market. The note is not from a short-lived issuing authority or subject to recall restrictions.

This banknote was issued on June 16, 1958, during the final years of Portuguese colonial rule in Cape Verde, when the territory remained under the Banco Nacional Ultramarino's authority. The portrait of Serpa Pinto honors the renowned Portuguese explorer and military officer who played a significant role in Portuguese colonial expansion in Africa. The allegorical woman and sailing ships on the reverse symbolize Portugal's maritime heritage and overseas colonial presence, reflecting the mid-20th century Portuguese imperial imagery that dominated currency design of this era.

The obverse features a three-quarter portrait of Serpa Pinto positioned on the right side, depicted with his characteristic mustache and goatee in formal dress, representing the historical explorer honored for Portuguese colonial ventures. The left side displays the circular seal of the Banco Nacional Ultramarino and Portuguese coat of arms, anchoring the institutional authority of the note. The reverse showcases an allegorical female figure in profile facing left, positioned centrally within a decorative circular frame, gazing toward sailing ships that evoke Portugal's maritime dominance and overseas colonial expansion. The entire design employs fine line engraving with ornamental borders and intricate patterns throughout, consistent with high-security banknote production standards of the mid-20th century.

FRONT: 'Banco Nacional Ultramarino' (National Overseas Bank) / 'Decreto-Lei Nº 39.221' (Decree-Law No. 39,221) / 'Cabo Verde' (Cape Verde) / 'Vinte Escudos' (Twenty Escudos) / 'Lisboa 16 de Junho de 1958' (Lisbon June 16, 1958) / 'Especimen' (Specimen) / 'Administrador' (Administrator) / 'Governador' (Governor). BACK: 'Pagável em Cabo Verde' (Payable in Cape Verde) / 'Banco Nacional Ultramarino' (National Overseas Bank) / 'Vinte Escudos' (Twenty Escudos) / 'Especimen' (Specimen) / 'Bradbury Wilkinson & Co Ltd Gravadores Printers New Walden Surrey' (printer attribution).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving), executed by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co Ltd of New Walden, Surrey, a renowned British security printer. The fine line patterns, detailed portraiture, ornamental borders, and multi-color printing characteristic of the green, pink, and white color scheme are consistent with steel-plate intaglio printing methods employed for colonial banknote production during this period.

This is cataloged as P-47s, the specimen variant of the 1958 20 Escudos issue. Specimens are distinguished by the red diagonal 'ESPECIMEN' overprint and the two punch holes visible near the bottom of the obverse, standard marking for specimen notes prepared for distribution to banks and reference collections. The Pick catalog notes variant P-47a exists, and PMG has recorded P-47cts, indicating multiple varieties in this series. The signature titles visible are 'Administrador' and 'Governador,' consistent with specimen issues of this period.