5 patacas 1945

Common. The 1945 5 patacas issue had a substantial print run typical of regular circulation notes from Banco Nacional Ultramarino. Market data from realbanknotes.com shows catalog values of only $20 in VG condition and $55 in VF (2016 valuations), with an EF specimen estimated around $100-150 based on comparative sales. A similar note in F condition sold for $170 on eBay in 2018, which is modest for a 1945 issue. No evidence suggests this Pick number had a limited print run, special recall, or short circulation period that would render it scarce or rare.

Issued on November 16, 1945, this note represents Macau's currency during the immediate post-World War II period under Portuguese colonial administration. The prominent depiction of the A-Ma temple on the obverse reflects Macau's cultural heritage and Chinese identity, while the steamship on the reverse symbolizes the colony's role as a major trading port and commercial hub in East Asia. The bilingual Portuguese-Chinese inscriptions underscore the unique colonial administration that balanced Portuguese sovereignty with Macau's integral Chinese character.

The obverse features a light teal-green base with ornate decorative borders containing floral and geometric patterns. The central motif is a large Chinese numeral character '伍' (five). On the left is an ornate Portuguese coat of arms within a laurel wreath, representing the issuing authority. On the right side is an architectural illustration of the A-Ma Temple (媽閣廟), Macau's most prominent historical Buddhist-Taoist temple with distinctive curved roofs and ornate details. The reverse displays a similar color scheme with large ornamental numerals '5' in decorative cartouches on both sides, with a central circular medallion containing a detailed engraving of a steamship—a full-rigged ocean-going vessel depicted on water with smoke from its funnel, symbolizing Macau's maritime commerce and trading heritage. Chinese characters appear in circular seals at the corners. Bilateral Portuguese-Chinese text and signatures by the Administrator and President of the Administrative Council appear throughout.

FRONT: 'BANCO NACIONAL ULTRAMARINO' (National Overseas Bank); '大葡國澳門銀行理避外海國洋占' (National Overseas Bank of Portuguese Macau); 'LISBOA, 16 de Novembro de 1945' (Lisbon, November 16, 1945); '伍圓' (Five Patacas); 'CINCO PATACAS' (Five Patacas); 'DECRETO Nº 19154' (Decree No. 19154); 'O ADMINISTRADOR' (The Administrator); 'O PRESIDENTE DO CONSELHO ADMINISTRATIVO' (The President of the Administrative Council); Serial number '814337'; 'MACAO'. BACK: 'BANCO NACIONAL ULTRAMARINO' (National Overseas Bank); 'CINCO PATACAS' (Five Patacas); '伍圓' (Five Patacas); 'LINHAS COMMERCIO AGRICULTURO' (Commercial and Agricultural Lines).

Intaglio engraving (recess printing), executed by Waterlow & Sons (W&S), London, as was standard for high-security banknote production of this era. The fine line patterns visible in the background, intricate border designs, detailed temple architecture, and the complex steamship medallion are characteristic of skilled intaglio work. Security features include fine line pattern backgrounds and extensive ornate engraving throughout to prevent counterfeiting.

Serial number 814337 is visible in this specimen. Two handwritten signatures are present, consistent with the administrative signature varieties documented for this issue (The Administrator and The President of the Administrative Council). The note is dated 16 November 1945 per Lisbon issue protocols. No overprints or secondary varieties are apparent. Signature varieties are known for this series and represent standard administrative variations rather than distinguishing rare varieties.