5 patacas 1944

Common. The catalog price data shows this note in Fine condition sold for approximately $80 in 2009, with 2016 catalog values showing VF examples at $80 and UNC at $660. These modest valuations and the existence of documented eBay sales indicate this is a regularly encountered note in the collector market. Banco Nacional Ultramarino produced substantial quantities of 5 Patacas notes during 1944, and no specific print run restrictions or recall documentation suggests scarcity. The condition-appropriate pricing aligns with common banknote market expectations.

Issued on February 1, 1944, during the height of World War II when Macau remained under Portuguese sovereignty, this banknote represents the continuation of Portuguese colonial monetary authority in East Asia. The Banco Nacional Ultramarino's issuance under Decree No. 3.517 reflects Portugal's efforts to maintain administrative control over its distant overseas territories despite global conflict. The prominent maritime symbolism (the ship in the circular seal) and coat of arms underscore Macau's historical role as a Portuguese trading enclave, while the bilingual design elements acknowledge the territory's multicultural character.

The front features a Portuguese coat of arms positioned on the left side and a circular seal on the right depicting a ship, symbolizing Portugal's maritime dominance and Macau's role as a major trading post. The denomination '5' appears in ornamental corner frames in all four corners. The central design is dominated by a large red/burgundy ornate rectangular frame containing overprinted text and regulatory information, with an intricate cross-hatching border pattern surrounding the entire composition. The reverse side displays a more elaborate ornamental design with a green-toned central geometric medallion (possibly incorporating Chinese calligraphic or symbolic elements reflecting Macau's East Asian context), accompanied by a coat of arms with laurel wreath decoration, emphasizing the prestige and authority of the issuing bank. The overall design reflects the aesthetic conventions of Portuguese colonial currency from the 1940s.

FRONT SIDE: 'Banco Nacional Ultramarino' (National Overseas Bank) | 'Nº 12817' (Serial number) | 'Decreto Nº 3.517' (Decree No. 3.517) | 'Macau' | 'Unidade Corrente' (Current Unit) | 'Lisboa 1 de Fevereiro de 1944' (Lisbon, February 1, 1944) | 'Patacas' (currency designation) | 'Director de Fazenda' (Director of Treasury) | 'Litografia Sin Chon & Cia' (Lithography Sin Chon & Co.) | 'Patacas' (repeated in border pattern). BACK SIDE: Central medallion contains script in Asian language (likely Chinese characters, specific transliteration not determinable from image), surrounded by ornamental geometric framing.

This note was produced using lithographic printing, as indicated by the 'Litografia Sin Chon & Cia' credit line visible on the front. The fine line work evident in the coat of arms, the intricate cross-pattern border design, and the detailed circular maritime seal are characteristic of lithographic reproduction from this era. The color separation visible between the blue/dark blue primary design, red/burgundy overprint frame, and green reverse design are consistent with multi-stone lithographic technique. Some of the heavy overprinting marks and stamps suggest additional letterpress stamping was applied to the lithographically produced base note.

This specific example bears serial number 12817, issued under Decreto Nº 3.517 with an issue date of February 1, 1944. The note displays 'Litografia Sin Chon & Cia' as the printer, confirming production by the Macau-based lithographic firm. No significant varieties are documented for Pick 22 1944 5 Patacas issues from standard catalogs, though serial number distribution and minor overprint placement variations may occur across the print run.