100 escudos 1964

Common. The 100 Escudos denomination from Portuguese Guinea's 1964 issue was part of a standard circulation series issued by the Banco Nacional Ultramarino and would have been produced in substantial quantities for the colony's economy during the final decade of Portuguese rule. No evidence suggests exceptional scarcity, and this Pick number (P-41) does not carry the historical indicators (small print run, immediate recall, short-lived issuer) that would elevate it to scarce or rare status. UNC examples are desirable for collectors but not uncommon in the numismatic market.

This note represents the final decade of Portuguese colonial rule in Guinea, issued under Decree-Laws 39221 and 44811 by the Banco Nacional Ultramarino, Portugal's overseas banking authority. The imagery—including the portrait of João Teixeira Pinto and classical maritime symbolism—reflects Portugal's maritime heritage and colonial administration during a period of increasing nationalist pressures in Portuguese Africa. The note's issue from Lisbon in 1964 coincides with the onset of armed independence movements in Portuguese Guinea, which would culminate in independence in 1974.

The front features a left-facing profile portrait of João Teixeira Pinto, a significant figure in Portuguese Guinea's colonial administration, rendered in fine detail with period engraving. The design employs a predominantly teal and blue-green color scheme with ornamental rosette patterns in the corners and decorative denomination numerals '100'. A circular seal on the right features a maritime vessel, reinforcing Portugal's naval and commercial heritage. The reverse presents a classical seated figure in profile within a circular medallion, flanked by Corinthian columns, with a ship visible in the background—symbolizing maritime commerce and colonial authority. A scalloped ornamental border frames the entire reverse design, and the color palette shifts to pink and rose tones for the outer border while maintaining the teal central design. The fine-line guilloche patterns and intricate engraving throughout demonstrate high-quality security printing characteristic of the period.

FRONT: 'BANCO NACIONAL ULTRAMARINO' (National Overseas Bank); 'GUINE' (Guinea); 'CEM ESCUDOS' (One Hundred Escudos); 'DECRETOS-LEI 39221 e 44811' (Decree Laws 39221 and 44811); 'LISBOA, 30 de JUNHO de 1964' (Lisbon, June 30, 1964); 'O ADMINISTRADOR' (The Administrator); 'O GOVERNADOR' (The Governor); 'JOAO TEIXEIRA PINTO' (name of portrayed figure); Serial number 'C535419'; Denomination '100'. BACK: 'PAGAVEL NA GUINE' (Payable in Guinea); 'BANCO NACIONAL ULTRAMARINO' (National Overseas Bank); 'CEM ESCUDOS' (One Hundred Escados); 'BRADBURY, WILKINSON & CO LTD GRAVADORES, LONDRES' (Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co Ltd Engravers, London); Denomination '100'.

Intaglio engraving (line engraving and guilloche patterns), executed by Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co Ltd of London, the renowned British security printer. The complex portrait work, fine line patterns, and ornamental designs are characteristic of traditional banknote intaglio production, which provided both aesthetic quality and security features resistant to counterfeiting. The watermark area is visible in the background of the obverse.

This specimen appears to be the standard P-41a variety (100 Escudos). PMG records indicate three cataloged variants for Pick 41: P-41a (standard), P-41cts (likely a currency teller's sample or special issue), and P-41s (specimen). The observed serial number 'C535419' and absence of overprints or special markings suggest this is the standard circulation variety. The June 30, 1964 date is consistent with the known issue date for this Pick number.