...Macau, Banco Nacional Ultramario - 2020 Series ND2026 500 And 1000 Patacas

 中華人民共和國澳門特別行政區

(Região Administrativa Especial de Macau da República Popular da China)

(Macau Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China)

 

大西洋銀行

(Banco Nacional Ultramarino, Est.1902 in Macau)

(National Overseas Bank)

 Currency: Patacas (MOP)

 

 

Posted here are the final two notes of the current series first introduced on 01.02.2024:- 

01.02.2024 - 10 and 20 patacas both dated 18.05.2020;

20.01.2025 - 50 and 100 patacas both dated 18.05.2020; &

06.02.2026 - 500 and 1000 patacas both dated 18.05.2020.

 

The final two latest notes issued on 06.02.2026 complete this 2020 series. 

 

The theme for this 2020 dated series is Macau's historical evolution and transformation, featuring a blend of the city's rich history, culture heritage, and geographical, and these last two notes of 500 and 1000 patacas retain the same themes.

 

Traditionally, new banknotes are in demand before the Chinese new year and one would assume these were released to meet the public demand. Whilst these are considered as high value notes to some, obviously not many people will be in demand for them, except for those who can afford them or are generous enough. Traditionally, during Chinese new year, most people would prefer to have brand new and uncirculated banknotes for red packages, and in some Asian countries where there is a large Chinese population, banks open additional teller counters to cater for the distribution of new banknotes.

 

As there are two banknotes issuing authority in Macau (Banco Nacional Ultramarino and Bank of China), each bank is allowed to issue the following quantity: -

 

500 Patacas - 24 million pieces; and

1,000 Patacas - 12 million pieces

 

The theme for this series is the same as those issued in 2024 and 2025. On the front for each note, it depicts the new and old facades of the bank's headquarters - Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU) in Macau and on the back of each note, the design features an old map of Macau depicting different eras from 1635 to 2022.

 

These two notes are both dated 18.05.2020, same as those issued in 2024 and 2025.

Five Hundred Patacas

Front - New and old facades of the bank's headquarters - Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU) in Macau. BNU was founded in Lisbon in Portugal in 1864. Historically, BNU was a Portuguese bank with operations operated mostly in Portugal's former overseas occupied territories. In 2001, it ceased existence as an independent entity in Portugal, and today BNU's headquarters is based in Macau. To the upper right is the Lotus flower, Macau's floral emblem, printed with an optical variable magnetic ink feature. 

President - Carlos Manuel Sobral Cid Da Costa Alvares 

Member - Cecilia Kou

Watermark - Lotus flower and electrotype 500

Dimensions - 159mm x 79mm

Back - The geographical transformation continued. A map of Macau of 1986. The map show how the map of Macau transformation over the years, with land reclamation which significantly altering it's shape. Accompanying the map are vessels from the corresponding era, providing a fascinating glimpse into Macau's maritime history. Images of boats to the right of the enclave of Macau. A tall tree is printed in the center left of the note.

 

One Thousand Patacas 

 

Front - Basically the design on the front for this series are all the same, albeit the colour, sizes and face values. BNU (together with Bank of China) are the only two commercial banks to have the authority to issue banknotes in Macau. BNU is permitted to keep issuing pataca banknotes until October 2023. 

 

President - Carlos Manuel Sobral Cid Da Costa Alvares 

Member - Cecilia Kou

Watermark - Lotus flower and electrotype 1000

Dimensions - 163mm x 82mm  

 

Back - Macau's map of 2022. You can see the significant differences on this note and the one printed on the 500 patacas (map of 1986). The land reclamation continues to expand and this time we can see two reservoirs are added and land extension both north and south of Macau. The other most obvious change is the Macau International Airport, which was built in 1995. To the left is an image of the airport runway and an airplane taking off. Obviously, the airport has significant advantages to Macau's economy as before the airport was built, visitors from overseas (excluding those from China) will have to come to Macau via Hong Kong or mainland China. There are 41 or more casinos operating in Macau, and this airport definitely benefited those overseas fly-in and fly-out gamblers. To the left is an image of an old tree and a view of Macau's Skyline including the funny shape building - Grand Lisboa casino.