1 escudo 1941

Common. The secondary market eBay pricing data shows consistent sales ranging from $2.25 to $44 USD depending on condition, with VG specimens (matching this note's grade) selling for $3.75–$11.61 in the historical record provided. The 2016 catalog valuation of $3 for VG condition further confirms this is a common issue. The Banco Nacional Ultramarino produced substantial quantities of escudo notes for Mozambique during the colonial period, and this 1941 issue was not recalled or limited. Circulation was adequate to ensure survival of many specimens, and the note remains readily available to collectors at modest prices.

This note was issued during the Estado Novo period under Portuguese colonial rule, when Mozambique was administered as a Portuguese province. The presence of 'Republica Portuguesa' on the reverse and the Banco Nacional Ultramarino as issuer reflects Portugal's tight control over colonial currency. The 1941 issue date places it during World War II, when Portugal maintained official neutrality while supporting certain Axis powers, and colonial economies remained tightly integrated with metropolitan monetary policy.

The obverse features an ornate classical design with a portrait medallion of Francisco de Oliveira Chamico positioned at left, while a maritime element—likely representing Mozambique's shipping and trade importance—appears in the right medallion. The center displays the denomination 'UM MILESCUDO' in prominent red and green text, flanked by the Portuguese coat of arms with its characteristic cross and shield at the bottom center. Decorative elements include diamond shapes in corners, elaborate scrollwork, and laurel wreath designs typical of Portuguese colonial currency. The reverse presents a large central circular medallion containing a male profile portrait (likely a historical Portuguese figure), surrounded by concentric circular text reading 'REPUBLICA PORTUGUESA' and framed by ornate cornucopia-style scrollwork and floral designs in all four corners. The entire design reflects the classical European engraving aesthetic favored by Portuguese colonial authorities.

FRONT: 'BANCO NACIONAL ULTRAMARINO' (National Overseas Bank) / 'PROVINCIA DE MOCAMBIQUE' (Province of Mozambique) / 'UM MILESCUDO' (One Escudo) / 'PAGAVEL NAS DEPENDENCIAS DA PROVINCIA DE MOCAMBIQUE' (Payable at the dependencies of the Province of Mozambique) / 'DECRETO Nº17154' (Decree No. 17154) / 'LISBOA, 1de Setembro de 1941' (Lisbon, September 1, 1941) / 'O ADMINISTRADOR' (The Administrator) / 'O PRESIDENTE DO CONSELHO ADMINISTRATIVO' (The President of the Administrative Council) / 'BRADBURY, WILKINSON & CO., GRAVADORES, LONDRES' (Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co., Engravers, London). BACK: 'REPUBLICA PORTUGUESA' (Portuguese Republic) / 'PAGAVEL NAS DEPENDENCIAS DA PROVINCIA DE MOCAMBIQUE' (Payable at the dependencies of the Province of Mozambique).

This note was produced using steel plate engraving and intaglio printing, as evidenced by the fine, intricate line work, cross-hatching patterns, and three-dimensional quality visible throughout both sides. The detailed security features include complex decorative borders, fine engraved patterns, and the characteristic crisp impression of intaglio printing. The note was engraved by Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co. (noted as 'BWC' in market references), the London-based security printer renowned for colonial currency production. This firm's expertise in producing colonial currency is reflected in the sophisticated security design elements visible in the visual analysis.

This specimen appears to be a standard issue (Pick P-81) without overprint designation (distinguished from the P-81s variant noted in PMG population data). The note exhibits typical signature varieties for the 1941 issue, with 'O ADMINISTRADOR' and 'O PRESIDENTE DO CONSELHO ADMINISTRATIVO' titles present, which are characteristic of this issuing authority variant. The serial number visible as 'B138.117' suggests this is within the standard circulation series. No remarkable overprint varieties or rare signature combinations are evident from the visual analysis, indicating this is a regular circulation issue of the common type.