1970 Mozambique 50 Escudos Banknote Banco de Moçambique Overprint P-118

Issued during the historic post-colonial transition of Mozambique, this 50 Escudos banknote (Cinquenta Escudos) originates from the October 27, 1970 emission of the Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU) in Lisbon, legally modified following national independence with the bold black transitional overprint "BANCO DE MOÇAMBIQUE". Cataloged internationally in the Standard Catalog of World Paper Money as Pick #118 (P-118) and The Banknote Book as B201, this emission forms an essential bridge between colonial Portuguese administration and sovereign central banking. The obverse features an engraved portrait of João de Azevedo Coutinho (1865–1944), Portuguese naval officer, colonial administrator, and military governor, framed by the national Portuguese coat of arms, decree authorizations (Decretos-Leis 39 221 e 44 891), red serial numbering (B0799022), and multi-color guilloche rosettes. The reverse depicts the historic seal of the Banco Nacional Ultramarino displaying a three-masted sailing ship, accompanied by classic baroque scrollwork, the obligation clause "Pagável em Moçambique", and an unprinted watermark field featuring a shaded effigy profile. This transitional currency note serves as a prominent type piece for collections specializing in African independence movements, Portuguese colonial numismatics, and central bank provisional overprints.

Disclaimer: Titles and descriptions are AI-generated; refer to pictures for the most accurate description and ask for additional photos as needed.