1000 escudos 1967

Common. The 1000 escudos denomination from 1967 was produced in substantial quantities during the Estado Novo period and circulated widely throughout the 1970s and 1980s. While this particular Pick-172a(4) variety in uncirculated condition represents a well-preserved example, the note itself is not scarce in the collector market. Portuguese escudos from this era remain readily available, with this denomination frequently encountered in both circulated and uncirculated grades.

Issued on May 19, 1967, during the later phase of Portugal's Estado Novo regime under Salazar, this note celebrates Queen Maria II (1819-1853), a significant historical figure in Portuguese monarchy. The reverse's depiction of the Banco de Portugal building from 1846 represents the institution's historical roots and Portugal's financial establishment during the era when Maria II reigned. The classical allegorical imagery and formal inscriptions in Latin reflect the traditional, conservative aesthetic preferred by the Estado Novo government in its currency designs.

The obverse features a classical left-facing profile portrait of Queen Maria II positioned in the center-right, rendered in fine engraving with period-appropriate draped clothing and ornamental details. The design incorporates the Portuguese coat of arms in the upper left, baroque scrollwork, and allegorical putti in the lower right. A purple iris with green foliage serves as a botanical accent on the left side. The reverse displays a large circular medallion portrait (likely another numismatic or historical figure) on the left, with the prominent neoclassical Banco de Portugal building on the right, complete with mansard roof, regular fenestration, and colonnade structure, accompanied by figures in period dress gathered in the foreground. Both sides employ intricate guilloche patterns and fine-line engraving as background security elements throughout.

FRONT: 'Banco de Portugal' (Bank of Portugal) | 'MIL ESCUDOS' (One Thousand Escudos) | 'LISBOA, 19 DE MAIO DE 1967' (Lisbon, May 19, 1967) | 'O GOVERNADOR' (The Governor) | 'O ADMINISTRADOR' (The Administrator) | 'MARIA D.C.PORT.ET ALGARB.REGINA' (Maria, by Divine Favor, Queen of Portugal and the Algarve). BACK: '1000 ESCUDOS' / 'MIL ESCUDOS' (One Thousand Escudos) | 'D.G.PORTUGAL ALGARB.REGINA' (By the Grace of God, Queen of Portugal and the Algarve) | 'ANNO 1846' (Year 1846) | 'Banco de Portugal' (Bank of Portugal).

Intaglio (engraved steel plate) printing, the standard technique for Portuguese banknotes of this era. The fine guilloche patterns, detailed portraiture, and complex allegorical imagery are characteristic of high-security intaglio production. Likely produced by Banco de Portugal's internal security printing facilities or in collaboration with specialized European security printers of the period, such as Waterlow & Sons or similar institutions contracted for Portuguese currency production.

This specimen is identified as Pick-172a(4), indicating it is the fourth cataloged variety of the 1000 escudos 1967 issue. The serial number visible is HZD03702. Variations within the 172a designation typically relate to signature combinations (Governor and Administrator signatures), printer markings, or minor design modifications. The specific 'a(4)' designation suggests this is a recognized sub-variety; collectors should cross-reference Pick catalog and local Portuguese numismatic references for definitive variety attribution. The May 19, 1967 issue date is consistent with the official release date of this series.