5 escudos 1941
Market Prices
10 salesAbout This Note
This Mozambique 5 Escudos banknote from 1941 (Pick-83) presents a handsome example of Portuguese colonial currency in Very Good condition. The note displays characteristic period engraving by Bradbury Wilkinson with a tan/beige base color, featuring a bearded portrait of Francisco de Oliveira Chamico in profile on the obverse and a steamship vignette, complemented by a central portrait medallion on the reverse. Visible circulation wear including creases and age-related discoloration is consistent with the VG grade, though the fine engraved details and red overprinted text remain legible throughout.
Common. The eBay market data provided shows consistent sales activity across multiple condition grades ranging from $4.75 to $65, with VG-graded examples selling in the $10-$14.50 range from 2016-2017, indicating regular collector demand at modest prices. The catalog value for VG condition is assessed at $10, and the note's consistent appearance on secondary markets reflects healthy supply. The 1941 issue date falls within the established circulation period of Mozambique escudo notes, and no evidence suggests this Pick number had a particularly restricted print run or was recalled.
Issued on September 1, 1941, during the Estado Novo period of Portugal under Salazar, this note represents the Banco Nacional Ultramarino's currency operations in the Province of Mozambique, Portugal's significant African colonial possession. The inclusion of the steamship vignette reflects Mozambique's strategic importance in maritime trade routes, while the prominent Portuguese coat of arms and formal administrative inscriptions underscore Lisbon's centralized control over colonial financial systems during the Second World War era.
The obverse features a left-facing bearded portrait of Francisco de Oliveira Chamico, a Portuguese colonial administrator, presented within an ornamental circular frame on the left side of the note. To the right is a circular vignette depicting a modern steamship, symbolizing Portugal's maritime and commercial dominance in the colonial sphere. The denomination 'CINCO ESCUDOS' is prominently displayed in large text in the central area, flanked by these two circular vignettes. Elaborate decorative borders with floral and geometric patterns frame the entire obverse, with a Portuguese heraldic shield positioned at the bottom center. The reverse is dominated by a large circular medallion featuring a male portrait in right-facing profile, surrounded by intricate engraved scrollwork and ornamental cartouches containing the numeral '5'. Red overprinted text appears in various locations on both sides, indicating official administrative marks or signature authorizations. The overall design reflects the sophisticated security printing standards of mid-20th century colonial currency.
FRONT: 'BANCO NACIONAL ULTRAMARINO' (National Overseas Bank), 'PROVINCIA DE MOCAMBIQUE' (Province of Mozambique), 'DECRETO NO 17154' (Decree No. 17154), 'CINCO ESCUDOS' (Five 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 ADMINISTRADOR' (The Administrator), 'O PRESIDENTE DO CONSELHO ADMINISTRATIVO' (The President of the Administrative Council), 'BRADBURY, WILKINSON & CO LTD GRAVADORES, LONDRES' (Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co Ltd Engravers, London). BACK: 'BANCO NACIONAL ULTRAMARINO' (National Overseas Bank), 'PAGAVEL NAS DEPENDENCIAS DA PROVINCIA DE MOCAMBIQUE' (Payable at the dependencies of the Province of Mozambique), 'BRADBURY WILKINSON & C° LTD GRAVADORES LONDRES' (Bradbury Wilkinson & Co Ltd Engravers London). Serial numbers observed: E1.005.930 and B2.005.930.
Intaglio engraving and letterpress. The note was produced by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co Ltd of London, the renowned British security printer specializing in banknote and stamp production. The fine line work, detailed portrait engraving, ornamental borders, and circular medallion frames are characteristic of intaglio printing, which provides both visual quality and anti-counterfeiting security. The red overprinted elements suggest additional letterpress or lithographic application for administrative marks.
Signature varieties are noted for this Pick number, reflecting different administrative officials serving as signatories. The observed serial number prefixes (E1 and B2) may indicate different printing batches or sheet varieties. The inscription 'DECRETO NO 17154' provides the authorizing legal reference. No specific rare date variety or overprint variant is identified for this particular Pick-83 specimen, though continued research into signature combinations and serial number ranges may reveal subtle collecting distinctions within this issue.
