10 escudos 1941

common. This note appears frequently in the market, with eBay sales data showing consistent Fair-grade examples selling in the $16-22 range across multiple years (2011-2020). The catalog valuation for Fair condition ($12-16 estimated) and the regular issue designation support common status. While 1941 Portuguese colonial currency has collector interest, this denomination and issue were part of a substantial print run for circulation throughout Mozambique during the colonial period.

This note was issued during the Salazar era of Portuguese colonial rule, when Mozambique remained Provincia de Mocambique under Portuguese administration. The steamship depicted on the obverse symbolizes the maritime trade routes that were central to the Portuguese overseas empire, while the reverse's emphasis on 'Imperio Portugal Ultramarino' (Portuguese Overseas Empire) reflects the political ideology of the period. The September 1, 1941 issue date places this note during World War II, a significant period for Portugal's neutrality and its colonial holdings.

The obverse displays a sophisticated classical design with ornate geometric borders and two prominent circular portrait medallions. The left medallion contains Francisco de Oliveira Chamico in profile, while the right features a steamship representing maritime commerce. The center bears a red overprinted Decree reference and provincial designation. The reverse centers on a large circular medallion containing a portrait in profile (likely a Portuguese dignitary or historical figure relevant to colonial administration), surrounded by decorative radial line engraving that creates depth and security. Denomination numerals '10' appear prominently in ornate frames on both sides. The color palette of brown, red, green, pink, and cream tones creates visual distinction and complexity typical of early 20th-century security printing.

FRONT: 'Banco Nacional Ultramarino' (National Overseas Bank); 'Provincia de Mocambique' (Province of Mozambique); 'Decreto Nº 154' (Decree No. 154); 'B2.994.948' (Serial number); 'Dez Escudos' (Ten Escudos); 'Pagavel nas Dependencias da Provincia de Mocambique' (Payable at the dependencies of the Province of Mozambique); 'Lisboa 1 de Setembro de 1941' (Lisbon, September 1, 1941); 'O Presidente do Conselho Administrativo' (The President of the Administrative Council); '10' (denomination). BACK: 'Pagavel nas Dependencias da Provincia de Mocambique' (Payable at the dependencies of the Province of Mozambique); 'Rei Manuel II' (King Manuel II); 'Imperio Portugal Ultramarino' (Portuguese Overseas Empire); '10' (denomination).

Intaglio (recess) engraving, characteristic of Bradbury Wilkinson's security printing reputation. The fine line work visible in the portrait medallions, complex geometric background patterns (with repeated 'DEZ' motifs), and ornate decorative borders demonstrate high-quality copperplate engraving. The layered color application and precise registration of the red overprinted decree information indicate multi-pass printing typical of security printers of this era.

This note is catalogued as P-84 (regular issue) with a known variant P-84r (remainder). The visual analysis shows this is a P-84 regular issue example with signature variety titles and serial number B2.994.948. The note exhibits the characteristic red overprint 'Decreto Nº 154' which distinguishes it from earlier related issues (referenced in catalog as similar to P-66-69 but with different signature titles). Collectors should note that signature varieties exist for this Pick number, though the specific signatures visible in this example would require high-resolution comparison against known signature variants to precisely identify.