...Macau, Banco Nacional Ultramario - 2020 Series ND2025

 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)

 

Here are the two notes of 50 and 100 patacas both released on 20.01.2025. These are the second phase of the 2020 series where the notes for 10 and 20 patacas were first issued for circulation in early 2024. Traditionally, new banknotes are in demand before the new year and one would assume these were released to meet the public demand. The next two notes to be released are the 500 and 1000 patacas.

 

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: -

 

50 Patacsa - 50 million pieces; and

100 Patacas - 80 million pieces

 

Theme for this series is similar to the previous issues for the 10 and 20 patacas. On the front for each denomination, 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 date as the 10 and 20 patacas 2024 issues.

 

Fifty Patacsa

 

President - Carlos Manuel Sobral Cid Da Costa Alvares 

Member - Cecilia Kou

Watermark - Lotus flower and electrotype 50

Dimensions - 149.5mm x 69.5mm

 

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 is 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.

 

Back - A map of Macau of 1889. 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. A sailboat sailing to the right of the enclave of Macau and a few more on the other side. A tall tree is printed in the center left of the note.

 

One Hundred Patacas 

 

President - Carlos Manuel Sobral Cid Da Costa Alvares 

Member - Cecilia Kou

Watermark - Lotus flower and electrotype 100

Dimensions - 154.5mm x 77mm

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. 

 

Back - Macau's map of 1949. The land area continues to expand and this time we can see a reservoir is added and land extension mostly on the north-west and the south-east area. The other most obvious change is the reverse L shape of land extended from the mainland. A fishing trawler is depicted on the eastern side of Macau, and a steam ferry and a small fishing boat on the other side of the enclave. There is also another boat positioned very close to the ferry.

...Macau, 中國银行 Banco Da China - 2020 Series ND2025

 中華人民共和國澳門特別行政區

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

 

中國银行

(Banco Da China / Bank of China, Est.1950)

Currency - Patacas (MOP)

 

Here are the two notes both released on 20.01.2025. These are the second phase of the 2020 series where the notes for 10 and 20 patacas were issued for circulation in early 2024. Traditionally, new banknotes are in demand before the new year and one would assume these were released to meet the public demand. The next two notes to be released are the 500 and 1000 patacas.

 

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

 

50 Patacsa - 50 million pieces; and

100 Patacas - 80 million pieces

 

The designs for this new series features Chinese traditional on the front, and on the back showcasing Macau's iconic landmarks and symbols. As expected, the design on the front is the same for both notes, except for the denomination values. This series is dated 18.05.2020.

 

All four notes issued since 2024 are all dated 18.05.2020. Whilst the most recent two notes are dated the same as the first two notes of 10 and 20 patacas, the General Manager of Macau Branch was only appointed to the role on 21/06/2024. The previous notes were signed by Mr Li Guang 李光 (tenure 2017-2024).

 

Fifty Patacas

 

Director-Geral Da Sucursal de Macau - 賈天兵 Jia Tianbing

Date - 二零二零年五月十八日 (2020 May 18th)

Watermarks - Lotus flower and electrotype 50

Dimensions - 150mm x 70mm

Front - Southern Lion (represents the spirit of Macau). Bank of China building in Macau. To the top right is an image of a lion head printed in optically variable ink (OVI).

 

Back - Kiang Wu History Museum. This museum is located within the Kiang Wu Hospital in Macau, which was established in 1989 by the Kiang Wu Hospital Charity Association. The Kiang Wu History Museum building was built in 1892 and was once used as a pharmacy owned by Dr Sun Yat-sen, the Father of modern China. The building was then acquired by the Macau government in 2011. This museum is located at 58-68 Rua de Coelho do Amaral, Macau. Admission is free and open every day except Saturday and public holidays. Also printed in the background is a larger building. However, I am unable to say which or the name of this building. I have a feeling that it might be related to Kiang Wu Hospital.
 

One Hundred Patacas

 

Director-Geral Da Sucursal de Macau - 賈天兵 Jia Tianbing

Date - 二零二零年五月十八日 (2020 May 18th)

Watermarks - Lotus flower and electrotype 100

Dimensions - 154mm x 77.5mm 

 

Front - Southern Lion (represents the spirit of Macau). Bank of China building in Macau. To the top right is an image of a lion head printed in optically variable ink (OVI).

 

Back - Tung Sin Tong Historical Archive Exhibition Hall. The building that housed Tung Sin Tong Historical Archive Exhibition Hall was built in 1924 and served as a free school, clinic and medication center. The exhibition hall was opened to the public in 2012. In 2012, Tung Sin Tong celebrated 120 years of its establishment and decided to open it's historical archives exhibition to the public. This museum is open every day except on Tuesday and Macau's public holidays. Admission is free. To the left is an image of a tree.
 

...Macau, Banco Nacional Ultramario - 2020(2024) Series

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)

 

Below are the two notes of 10 and 20 patacas both dated 18.05.2020. These two notes were released on 01.02.2024 before the 2024 Chinese New Year celebration. This is a new series of banknotes and a full set comprises six notes from 10 to 1000 patacas. Only the 10 and 20 patacas are released and the remaining denomination will be made available over the next few years. 

 

Like those issued by the Bank of China Macau branch, the designs for this series are completely new. On the front for each denomination, 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. 

According to the bank, this new series incorporated better security features and better protection against counterfeiting. It should also be noted that the way the value stated on the note has also changed slightly. For the ten patacas banknote, it is now printed with: -

 

Previous  - 澳門幣拾圓 (Macau Currency Ten Yuan [Patacas]) to 

Now - 澳門元拾圓 (Macau Yuan 10 Yuan [Patacas]) 

 

As for this new series, the bank (together with Bank of China Macau Branch) is authorised by the Monetary Authority of Macau to print the following maximum quantity of banknotes;-

 

10 patacas - 80 million pieces; and

20 patacas - 120 million pieces.

 

BNU was established in 1864 in Portugal and in Macau in 1902. It is one of the two commercial banks responsible for issuing banknotes in Macau. The bank is the 8th largest bank in Macau and has 20 branches plus one in Hengqin, China. The bank has 500 full-time employees and has a customers base of 271,000+/-.

Ten Patacas

New and old facades of the bank's headquarters in Macau

Front - The new and old facades of the bank's headquarters - Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU) in Macau. 

 Signatures - Conselho De Administracao (Board of Directors)

Carlos Manuel Sobral Cid da Costa Alvares and Cecilia Kou

Watermark - Lotus flower and electrotype 10

Dimensions - 139mm x 69.5mm

 

Back - Old map of Macau 1635. Two chuan (ships) and a man on a sampan. To the far left is a tree.

 

Macau in 1635

Twenty Patacas

New and old facades of the bank's headquarters in Macau

 Signatures - Conselho De Administracao (Board of Directors)

Carlos Manuel Sobral Cid da Costa Alvares and Cecilia Kou 

Watermark - Lotus flower and electrotype 20

Dimensions - 139mm x 72mm

Back - Old map of Macau 1780. Three chuan (ships) and one sampan sailing in open sea. To the far left is a tree.

Macau in 1780

...Macau, Bank of China - 2020(2024) Series

中華人民共和國澳門特別行政區

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

 

中國银行

(Banco Da China / Bank of China, Est.1950)

Currency - Patacas (MOP)

 

Here are the two banknotes of 10 and 20 patacas released on 01.02.2024. News for these two notes were unveiled in late October 2023 and were released before the Chinese New Year 2024. As these are the new series of banknotes, only the 10 and 20 patacas are released and the rest of the series will be issued over the next few years. This new series will eventually replace the 2008 series.

The designs for this new series features Chinese traditional on the front, and on the back showcasing Macau's iconic landmarks and symbols. As expected, the design on the front is the same for both notes, except for the denomination values. This series is dated 18.05.2020.

 

According to the bank, this new series incorporated better security features and better protection against counterfeiting. It should also be noted that the way the value stated on the note has also changed slightly. For the ten patacas banknote, it is now printed with: -

 

Previous - 澳門幣拾圓 (Macau Currency Ten Yuan [Patacas]) to 

Now - 澳門元拾圓 (Macau Yuan Ten Yuan [Patacas])

There are two commercial banks issuing banknotes in Macao and each bank is authorised by the Monetary Authority of Macau to print the following maximum quantity of banknotes;-

 

10 patacas - 80 million pieces; and

20 patacas - 120 million pieces.

 

Signature

Director-Geral Da Sucursal De Macau -  Mr Li Guang 李光 (tenure 2017-2024)

(General Manager of Macau Branch)

Ten Patacas

Southern Lion, Bank of China building in Macau

 

Front - Southern Lion (represents the spirit of Macau). Bank of China building in Macau.

 

Watermark -  Lotus flower and electrotype 10

Dimensions - 139mm x 69.5mm

Back - Macau Waterfront Tower Convention and Entertainment Center. This tower is located in Se. Se is a southeast civil parish in the Macau Peninsula. This tower was reportedly built by the late Stanley Ho Hung-sun (b.1921-2020) after his visit to the Sky Tower in Auckland, New Zealand. Construction for the Macau Waterfront Tower Convention and Entertainment Center started in 1998 and was completed in 2001. The tower is built on land reclamation from the sea, and it served as a communication tower and for mixed use as well. It appears this tower is routinely used for bungee jumping events.

Macau Waterfront Tower Convention and Entertainment Center

Twenty Patacas

Southern Lion, Bank of China building in Macau

Watermark - Lotus flower and electrotype 20

Dimensions - 149mm x 72mm

Back - Macau Science Center is a space-age landmark of Macua. It has a conical-shaped Exhibition center and was built in 2009. This center is open to the public daily except Thursday.

Macau Science Center

...Macau Banco Nacional Ultramarino - 10 Patacas Year Of The Rabbit 2023

  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)

(National Overseas Bank)

 Currency: Patacas (MOP)

 兔🐇年

🐀 🐂🐅🐇🐉🐍🐎🐐🐒🐓🐕🐖

This is the 12th and the last of the Chinese Zodiac banknote issued to celebrate the Chinese Calendar Zodiac animal series. A full cycle consist of 12 animals starting from the Rat to Pig, and this Zodiac banknote series first started in 2012 with the Year of the Dragon. The Dragon is the 5th Zodiac animal in the 12-year cycle.

The announcement for this zodiac series was made on 11.04.2023. Interested collectors were invited to submit their application on line to purchase the notes at face value. The online application was opened on 17.04.2023 and closed on 12.05.2023. Each application was allowed to purchase the note of 10 pieces per bank at face value. Like the last 11 issues, both the Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU) and Bank of China (BoC) issued one note each. The banknotes were then distributed via 9 commercial banks across the Macau territory. As per all previous releases, only the residents of Macau are eligible to obtain these new banknotes. This note was released on 22.05.2023.

 

The main design for the Year of the Rabbit banknote is basically the same like all the previous Zodiac banknote issued, except the Zodiac animal of the year. The colour for the note is predominately printed in red which is traditionally an auspicious colour to the Chinese (including gold colour as well).

 

As this is the last animal of the 12-year cycle, it would be interesting to see if this tradition will continue next year, which is the Year of the Dragon. The Year of the Dragon note which was issued in 2012 was an instant hit with demand exceeded supply which let to the Monetary Authority of Macau to print another batch to cater for the demand. The first batch of notes were all printed with 7-digit serial number and second was printed with 8-digit.

 

This note is printed with the date of 01.01.2023

Ten Patacas

Rabbit, Chinese Zodiac dial

Front - The main design for the Year of the Rabbit banknote is basically the same as all the previous Zodiac banknotes issued, except the Zodiac animal for the particular year. The design also incorporated the Chinese Zodiac in Chinese with all 12 animals. The Chinese auspicious word 福 (Fu/Luck) is also printed on the top right hand corner. The colour for the note is predominantly printed in red which is traditionally an auspicious colour to the Chinese (together with gold colour as well).

 

Signatures - Conselno de Administracao (Administrative Council)

Watermark - Lotus flower

Dimensions - 139mm x 69.5mm

 

Back - The BNU's head office in Macau since it was constructed in 1926. Since then, it went through few renovations and expansion and added a high rise office building but retain the original two story building in the front. This historical building is located at the intersection of Ave. Almeida Ribeiro and Ave de Praia Grande. Printed on the background is the A-Ma temple which is also a historical building and is a very famous temple in Macau. This temple was built in 1488 during the Ming Dynasty (1364-1644) and is located in Sao Lourenco in the southwestern of the Macau peninsula. The temple was built to commemorate Mazu, the sacred sea goddess who blesses the fishermen for safety and for good catches of fishes in the sea. In 2005, it became one of the designated sites of the Historic Center of Macau. To the right is the image of the Rabbit Zodiac animal.

BNU's head office, A-Ma temple, Rabbit

 

Lunar Chinese New Year 12-year full cycle

Dragon - 23 January 2012 to 9 February 2013

Snake - 10 February 2013 to 30 January 2014

Horse - 31 January 2014 to 18 February 2015

Goat - 19 February 2015 to 07 February 2016

Monkey - 08 February 2016 to 27 January 2017

Rooster - 28 January 2017 to 15 February 2018

Dog - 16 January 2018 to 04 February 2019

Pig - 05 February 2019 to 24 January 2020

Rat - 25 January 2020 to 11 February 2021

Ox - 12 February 2021 to 31 January 2022

Tiger - 01 February 2022 to 21 January 2023

Rabbit - 22 January 2023 to 09 February 2024

...Macau Bank of China Macau Branch - 10 Patacas Year Of The Rabbit 2023

 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)

中國銀行澳門分行

(Banco da China, filial de Macau)

(Bank of China Macau Branch)

 Currency: Patacas (MOP)

 兔🐇年

 🐀 🐂🐅🐇🐉🐍🐎🐐🐒🐓🐕🐖

 

This is the 12th and the last of the Chinese Zodiac banknote issued to celebrate the Chinese Calendar Zodiac animal series. A full cycle consists of 12 animals starting from the Rat to Pig, and this Zodiac banknote series first started in 2012 with the Year of the Dragon. The Dragon is the 5th Zodiac animal in the 12-year cycle.

The announcement for this Rabbit Zodiac series was made on 11.04.2023. Interested collectors were invited to submit their application online to purchase the notes at face value. The online application was opened on 17.04.2023 and closed on 12.05.2023. Each application was allowed to purchase the note of 10 pieces per bank at face value. Like the last 11 issues, both the Bank of China (BoC) and Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU) issued one note each. The banknotes were then distributed via 9 commercial banks across the Macau territory. As per all previous releases, only the residents of Macau are eligible to obtain these new banknotes. This note was released on 22.05.2023.

 

The main design for the Year of the Rabbit banknote is basically the same as all the previous Zodiac banknotes issued, except the Zodiac animal of the year. The colour for the note is predominantly printed in red which is traditionally an auspicious colour to the Chinese (including gold colour as well).

 

As this is the last animal of the 12-year cycle, and it would be interesting to see if this tradition will continue next year, which is the Year of the Dragon. The Year of the Dragon note which was issued in 2012 was an instant hit with demand exceeded supply which let to the Monetary Authority of Macau to print another batch to cater for the demand. The first batch of notes were all printed with 7-digit serial numbers and the second was printed with 8-digit.

 

The history for the Bank of China was that it was originally established by Mr Zhuang Shiping (b.1911 -??) in June 1950, and at the time it was called Nam Tung Bank (Nantong Bank). On 01.01.1987, it was then renamed to the Bank of China Macau Branch, and became the 9th overseas branch of Bank of China. It was reported that the bank was donated to the current owner free of charge in 1986. Bank of China Macau Branch is the largest bank in the territory, and the Banco Nacional Ultramarino is ranked 6th. 

 

The date printed on this note is 01.01.2023 澳門 (Macau).

Ten Patacas

Rabbit, Chinese Zodiac dial

Front - The main design for the Year of the Rabbit banknote is basically the same as all the previous Zodiac banknotes issued, except the Zodiac animal for the particular year. The design also incorporated the Chinese Zodiac in Chinese with all 12 animals. The Chinese auspicious word 福 (Fu/Luck) is also printed on the top right hand corner. The colour for the note is predominantly printed in red which is traditionally an auspicious colour to the Chinese (together with gold colour as well).

 

President of Macau Branch (澳門分行行長) - Li Guang 李光

Watermark - Lotus flower

Dimensions - 139mm x 69.7mm

Back - The Bank of China's head office situated at Av. Dr. Matio Soares in Macau. The 38-storey tall building was built in 1991. The building is located in the financial and commercial center of Praia Grande in Macau. Printed on the background is the A-Ma temple which is also a historical building and is a very famous temple in Macau. This temple was built in 1488 during the Ming Dynasty (1364-1644) and is located in Sao Lourenco in the southwestern of the Macau peninsula. The temple was built to commemorate Mazu, the sacred sea goddess who blesses the fishermen for safety and for good catches of fishes in the sea. In 2005, it became one of the designated sites of the Historic Center of Macau. To the right is the image of the Rabbit Zodiac animal.

 

BoC's head office building, A-Ma temple,

Lunar Chinese New Year 12-year full cycle

Dragon - 23 January 2012 to 9 February 2013

Snake - 10 February 2013 to 30 January 2014

Horse - 31 January 2014 to 18 February 2015

Goat - 19 February 2015 to 07 February 2016

Monkey - 08 February 2016 to 27 January 2017

Rooster - 28 January 2017 to 15 February 2018

Dog - 16 January 2018 to 04 February 2019

Pig - 05 February 2019 to 24 January 2020

Rat - 25 January 2020 to 11 February 2021

Ox - 12 February 2021 to 31 January 2022

Tiger - 01 February 2022 to 21 January 2023

Rabbit - 22 January 2023 to 09 February 2024

...Macau Bank of China Macau Branch - 10 Patacas Year Of The Tiger 2022

 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)

中國銀行澳門分行

(Banco da China, filial de Macau)

(Bank of China Macau Branch)

 Currency: Patacas (MOP)

 (老)虎🐅年

🐀 🐂🐅🐇🐉🐍🐎🐐🐒🐓🐕🐖

 

This is the 11th and the second last issue of the Chinese Zodiac banknote series issued to celebrate the Chinese Calendar Zodiac Animal Series Lunar New Year. A full cycle consists of 12 animals starting from the Rat to Pig, and this Zodiac banknote series was first started in 2012 with the Year of the Dragon note. The Dragon is placed in the 5th Zodiac animal order in the Chinese Zodiac cycle.

The announcement for this Zodiac banknote series was made on 11.04.2023. Interested collectors were invited to submit their application online to purchase the notes at face value. The online application was then opened on 17.04.2023 and closed on 12.05.2023. Each application was allowed to purchase 10 pieces per bank at face value. Like the last 10 issues, both the Bank of China (BoC) and Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU) have released one note of 10 patacas each. The notes were then made available from 22.05.2023 to 11.08.2023 and were distributed via 9 commercial banks across the Macau territory. As per all previous releases, only the residents of Macau are eligible to obtain these new banknotes.

 

Whilst this note is for the year of the Tiger which is for the 2022 year, it was not released until May 2023. The Year of the Tiger started on 01.02.2022 and ended on 21.01.2023. The two banks in Macau have been releasing these Chinese Zodiac banknotes for two years in a row since the 2014 issue for the year of the Horse, together with the Year of the Goat. Prior to that, only one note was released per year (Dragon and Snake).

 

The main design for this note is very much the same as those released by BNU. The only differences are the bank's name and their respective brand logo, the Head Office building in Macau and the signature printed on the note. At a quick glance without looking at the name of the bank or brand, both notes look almost identical.

The history of the Bank of China was that it was originally established by Mr Zhuang Shiping (b.1911 -??) in June 1950, and at the time it was called Nam Tung Bank (Nantong Bank). On 01.01.1987, it was then renamed to Bank of China Macau Branch and became the 9th overseas of Bank of China. It was reported that the bank was donated to the current owner free of charge in 1986. Bank of China Macau Branch is the largest bank in the territory, and the Banco Nacional Ultramarino is ranked 6th. 

The date printed on this note is 01.01.2022 澳門 (Macau).

 

Ten Patacas

Tiger, Chinese Zodiac dial

 

Front - The main design for the Year of the Tiger banknote is basically the same as all the previous Zodiac banknotes issued, except the Zodiac animal for the particular year. The design also incorporated the Chinese Zodiac in Chinese with all 12 animals. The Chinese auspicious word 福 (Fu/Luck) is also printed on the top right hand corner. The colour for the note is predominantly printed in red which is traditionally an auspicious colour to the Chinese (together with gold colour as well).

 

President of Macau Branch (澳門分行行長) - Li Guang 李光

Watermark - Lotus flower

Dimensions - 139mm x 69.7mm

Back - The Bank of China's head office is situated at Av. Dr. Matio Soares in Macau. The 38-storey tall building was built in 1991. The building is located in the financial and commercial center of Praia Grande in Macau. Printed on the background is the A-Ma temple which is also a historical building and is a very famous temple in Macau. This temple was built in 1488 during the Ming Dynasty (1364-1644) and is located in Sao Lourenco in the southwestern of the Macau peninsula. The temple was built to commemorate Mazu, the sacred sea goddess who blesses the fishermen for safety and for good catches of fishes in the sea. In 2005, it became one of the designated sites of the Historic Center of Macau. To the right is the image of the Tiger Zodiac animal.

BoC's head office building, A-Ma temple, Tiger

 

Lunar Chinese New Year 12-year full cycle

23 January 2012 to 9 February 2013 - Dragon

10 February 2013 to 30 January 2014 - Snake

31 January 2014 to 18 February 2015 - Horse

19 February 2015 to 07 February 2016 - Goat

08 February 2016 to 27 January 2017 - Monkey

28 January 2017 to 15 February 2018 - Rooster

16 January 2018 to 04 February 2019 - Dog

05 February 2019 to 24 January 2020 - Pig

25 January 2020 to 11 February 2021 - Rat

12 February 2021 to 31 January 2022 - Ox

01 February 2022 to 21 January 2023 - Tiger

22 January 2023 to 09 February 2024 - Rabbit

...Macau Banco Nacional Ultramarino - 10 Patacas Year Of The Tiger 2022

 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)

(National Overseas Bank)

 (老)虎🐅年

 🐀🐂🐅🐇🐉🐍🐎🐐🐒🐓🐕🐖

 

This is the 11th and the second last issue of the Chinese Zodiac banknote series issued to celebrate the Chinese Calendar Zodiac Animal Series Lunar New Year. A full cycle consists of 12 animals starting from the Rat to Pig, and this Zodiac banknote series was first started in 2012 with the Year of the Dragon note. The Dragon is placed in the 5th Zodiac animal order in the Chinese Zodiac cycle.

The announcement for this Zodiac banknote series was made on 11.04.2023. Interested collectors were invited to submit their application online to purchase the notes at face value. The online application was then opened on 17.04.2023 and closed on 12.05.2023. Each application was allowed to purchase 10 pieces per bank at face value. Like the last 10 issues, both Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU) and the Bank of China (BoC) have released one note of 10 patacas each. The notes were then made available from 22.05.2023 to 11.08.2023 and were distributed via 9 commercial banks across the Macau territory. As per all previous releases, only the residents of Macau are eligible to obtain these new banknotes. 

 

Whilst this note is for the year of the Tiger which is for the 2022 year (see below), it was not released until May 2023. The Year of the Tiger started on 01.02.2022 and ended on 21.01.2023. The two banks in Macau have been releasing these Chinese Zodiac banknotes for two years in a row since the 2014 issue for the year of the Horse, together with the Year of the Goat. Prior to that, only one note was released per year (Dragon and Snake). 

 

The design for this note is very much the same as those released by the Bank of China. The only differences are the bank's name and their respective brand logo, the Head Office building in Macau and the signature printed on the note. At a quick glance without looking at the name of the bank or brand, both notes look almost identical. 

 

The date printed on this note is 01.01.2022.

 

Ten Patacas

Tiger, Chinese Zodiac dial

Front - The main design for the Year of the Tiger banknote is basically the same as all the previous Zodiac banknotes issued, except the Zodiac animal for the particular year. The design also incorporated the Chinese Zodiac in Chinese with all 12 animals. The Chinese auspicious word 福 (Fu/Luck) is also printed on the top right hand corner. The colour for the note is predominantly printed in red which is traditionally an auspicious colour to the Chinese (together with gold colour as well).

 

Signatures - Conselno de Administracao (Administrative Council)

Watermark - Lotus flower

Dimensions - 139.5mm x 69.5mm

 

Back - The BNU's head office in Macau since it was constructed in 1926. Since then, it went through few renovations and expansions and added a high rise office building but retain the original two story building in the front. This historical building is located at the intersection of Ave. Almeida Ribeiro and Ave de Praia Grande. Printed on the background is the A-Ma temple which is also a historical building and is a very famous temple in Macau. This temple was built in 1488 during the Ming Dynasty (1364-1644) and is located in Sao Lourenco in the southwestern of the Macau peninsula. The temple was built to commemorate Mazu, the sacred sea goddess who blesses the fishermen for safety and for good catches of fishes in the sea. In 2005, it became one of the designated sites of the Historic Center of Macau. To the right is the image of the Tiger Zodiac animal.

 

BNU's head office, A-Ma temple, Tiger

 

 Lunar Chinese New Year 12-year full cycle

23 January 2012 to 9 February 2013 - Dragon

10 February 2013 to 30 January 2014 - Snake

31 January 2014 to 18 February 2015 - Horse

19 February 2015 to 07 February 2016 - Goat

08 February 2016 to 27 January 2017 - Monkey

28 January 2017 to 15 February 2018 - Rooster

16 January 2018 to 04 February 2019 - Dog

05 February 2019 to 24 January 2020 - Pig

25 January 2020 to 11 February 2021 - Rat

12 February 2021 to 31 January 2022 - Ox

01 February 2022 to 21 January 2023 - Tiger

22 January 2023 to 09 February 2024 - Rabbit