...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 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

  

...Macau, Banco Nacional Ultramarino - 10 Patacas Year of the Ox 2021

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: Pataca (MOP)

 牛🐂年

 

Together with the 10 patacas Year of the Rat, this note was released on 04.05.2021 to celebrate the Year of the Ox. The Ox is the second animal on the Chinese Zodiac cycle of 12 animals. In 2021, the Chinese New Year was celebrated on 12.02.2021. The Chinese Zodiac series first started in 2013 with the Year of the Dragon (fifth Zodiac animal). According to the traditional beliefs, those who were born in the Year of the Ox can be considered to be dependable, calm, and methodical. They are also patient and tireless workers, just like the animal itself. One can also argue that the Ox person can be a good listener but also stubborn too and therefore making them change their mind would be a tough ask.

 

In addition to Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU), the Bank of China Macau Branch also released one for the same series. Only two commercial banks in Macau have the licenses to issue legal tender banknotes. BNU has been issuing banknotes in Macau since 1905, whilst the Bank of China Macau Branch first issued banknotes in Macau in 1995.

 

Like those previously issued in the Chinese zodiac series, registration for the notes started on 22.03.2021 until 09.04.2021. Only those who are residing in Macau can apply for the notes and each application is restricted to 25 pieces each per bank. The notes were released on 04.05.2021. Apart from the two issuing banks, the notes were also distributed via 7 other commercial banks in Macau. Closing date for the collection was on 23.07.2021.

 

Like those previously issued, the design on the front is the Ox Zodiac and also 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. On the back, it depicts the bank's main head office building in Macau with the image of the front entrance to the A-Ma temple (媽閣廟) together children celebrating the Chinese New Year and lighting firecrackers. On the right is the image of an Ox Zodiac in reverse. 

 

The A-Ma temple is 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 Centre of Macau.

 

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.

Signature - the note is signed by two Administrative Council members but I do not know who they are.

Dimensions - 138mm x 69mm

Ten Patacas

Dated 2020, Year of the Ox

Banco Nacional Ultramarino Head Office building in Macau, A-Ma temple (媽閣廟) together children celebrating the Chinese New Year and lighting fire crackers. On the left is the image of a Ox Zodiac in reverse

This is an algorithm used in ancient China to record the year, month, day, and time. It is called "ganzhi". Heavenly Stem: A, B, C, D, W, H, G, Xin, Ren, Kui Earthly Branch: Zi Chou Yin Mao Chen Si Noon Noon Shen You Xu Hai

 

E.g: 2019 = the year of Jihai 2020 = Geng Zi Year 2021 = Xin Chou Year 2022 = Renyin Year... All rounds are 60 years old, and they are called "Yijiazi". 

 

Official Announcement:

Online registration for the exchange of the Rat and Ox Zodiac banknotes and the 20th Anniversary of the Return to the Motherland of Macau banknotes commencing next Monday March 12th, 2021 The joint online registration for the exchange of the Rat and Ox Zodiac banknotes, together with the previously issued 20th Anniversary of the Return to the Motherland of Macau banknotes, will commence next Monday. The tentative exchange quantity for the Rat and Ox Zodiac banknotes of each Issuing Bank is 25 pieces, making a total of 100 pieces of the two types of Zodiac Banknotes from the two Issuing Banks. On the other hand, the tentative exchange quantity for the 20th Anniversary of the Return to the Motherland of Macao banknotes previously issued by each Issuing Bank is 3 pieces, making a total of 6 notes from the two Issuing Banks. Each Macao resident can only conduct a single registration for the exchange of the two types of Zodiac banknotes and the 20th Anniversary of the Return to the Motherland of Macau banknotes, with no provision for the separate exchange of any one type of note. Depending on the final number of registrants, the actual quantity to be exchanged may be adjusted and will be announced after the end of the registration period. Starting from 9:00am on 22 March 2021 and until 6:00pm on 9 April 2021, residents holding valid Macao identity cards can log onto the joint registration system of the two Issuing Banks via the website of Monetary Authority of Macao (https://www.amcm.gov.mo/static/banknotes/terms_pt.html) to conduct a one-time online registration. Apart from the two Issuing Banks - Bank of China Macau Branch (BOC) and Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU), residents can also select other exchange locations including the selected branches of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Macao) Limited, Tai Fung Bank Limited, OCBC Wing Hang Bank Limited, Luso International Banking Limited, Banco Comercial de Macao, China Construction Bank Macau Branch and China Guangfa Bank Macau Branch. While registrants should retain their registration records, they can also log onto the online registration system for inquiry of their confirmed registration details. The exchange period is between 4 May 2021 and 23 July 2021. Registrants should bring along their valid ID card and proceed in person to exchange for the notes at the chosen location on the selected day. In respect of the note exchange conducted by authorized representatives, the latter will need to bring along his/her original ID card and submit the following documents:

1. Representative’s photocopy of ID card bearing his / her signature;

2. Authorization form downloaded from AMCM’s website signed by the registrant;

3. Registrant’s photocopy of Macao ID card bearing his / her signature. At designated branches of BOC and BNU, assistance will be provided to the elderly for the conduct of the online registration process. For enquiries, please call our hotline: 2856 5071 / 2856 5072, or browse our website (https://www.amcm.gov.mo/static/banknotes/terms_pt.html).

 

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 Rat 2020

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)

Currency - Pataca (MOP)

 

 鼠🐀年

 

This is the latest issue and the ninth note of the Chinese Zodiac series of banknotes of 10 patacas, first started in 2012 with the Year of the Dragon. In 2020, Chinese New Year was celebrated on 25.01.2020 and was the Year of the Rat. According to the Chinese Zodiac cycle, the Rat is the first animal listed on the 12 year cycle. According to the Chinese, those who were born in the Rat year are generally considered to be forthright, honest, easy to get along with, hard working, thrifty and generous too.

 

In addition to Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU), the Bank of China also released one for the same series. Only two commercial banks in Macau have the licenses to issue legal tender banknotes. BNU has been issuing banknotes in Macau since the beginning of the last century whilst the Bank of China first issued banknotes in 1995.

 

Like those previously issued Chinese Zodiac banknotes series issued, registration for the notes started on 22.03.2021 until 09.04.2021. The announcement for the release of these two notes was made on 12.03.2021. Only those who were residing in Macau can apply for the notes and each application is restricted to 25 pieces each per bank. The notes were released on 04.05.2021. Apart from the two issuing banks, the notes were also distributed via 7 other commercial banks in Macau. Closing date for the collection was on 23.07.2021.

 

Like those previously issued, the design on the front is the Rat Zodiac and also 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. On the back, it depicts the bank's main head office building in Macau with the image of the front entrance to the A-Ma temple (媽閣廟) together children celebrating the Chinese New Year and lighting firecrackers. On the left is the image of a Rat Zodiac in reverse. 

 

The A-Ma temple is a historical building and is a very famous temple in Macau. This temple was built in 1488 and is located in Sao Lourenco in the southwestern of the Macau peninsula. In 2005, it became one of the designated sites of the Historic Centre of Macau.

 

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.  

 

Signature - the note is signed by two Administrative Council members but I do not know who they are.

Dimensions - 138mm x 69mm

Ten Patacas

Dated 2020, Year of the Rat

Banco Nacional Ultramarino Head Office building in Macau, A-Ma temple (媽閣廟) together children celebrating the Chinese New Year and lighting fire crackers. On the left is the image of a Rat Zodiac in reverse

Official announcement:

Online registration for the exchange of the Rat and Ox Zodiac banknotes and the 20th Anniversary of the Return to the Motherland of Macau banknotes commencing next Monday March 12th, 2021 The joint online registration for the exchange of the Rat and Ox Zodiac banknotes, together with the previously issued 20th Anniversary of the Return to the Motherland of Macau banknotes, will commence next Monday. The tentative exchange quantity for the Rat and Ox Zodiac banknotes of each Issuing Bank is 25 pieces, making a total of 100 pieces of the two types of Zodiac Banknotes from the two Issuing Banks. On the other hand, the tentative exchange quantity for the 20th Anniversary of the Return to the Motherland of Macao banknotes previously issued by each Issuing Bank is 3 pieces, making a total of 6 notes from the two Issuing Banks. Each Macao resident can only conduct a single registration for the exchange of the two types of Zodiac banknotes and the 20th Anniversary of the Return to the Motherland of Macau banknotes, with no provision for the separate exchange of any one type of note. Depending on the final number of registrants, the actual quantity to be exchanged may be adjusted and will be announced after the end of the registration period. Starting from 9:00am on 22 March 2021 and until 6:00pm on 9 April 2021, residents holding valid Macao identity cards can log onto the joint registration system of the two Issuing Banks via the website of Monetary Authority of Macao (https://www.amcm.gov.mo/static/banknotes/terms_pt.html) to conduct a one-time online registration. Apart from the two Issuing Banks - Bank of China Macau Branch (BOC) and Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU), residents can also select other exchange locations including the selected branches of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Macao) Limited, Tai Fung Bank Limited, OCBC Wing Hang Bank Limited, Luso International Banking Limited, Banco Comercial de Macao, China Construction Bank Macau Branch and China Guangfa Bank Macau Branch. While registrants should retain their registration records, they can also log onto the online registration system for inquiry of their confirmed registration details. The exchange period is between 4 May 2021 and 23 July 2021. Registrants should bring along their valid ID card and proceed in person to exchange for the notes at the chosen location on the selected day. In respect of the note exchange conducted by authorized representatives, the latter will need to bring along his/her original ID card and submit the following documents: 

 

1. Representative’s photocopy of ID card bearing his / her signature; 

2. Authorization form downloaded from AMCM’s website signed by the registrant; 

3. Registrant’s photocopy of Macao ID card bearing his / her signature. At designated branches of BOC and BNU, assistance will be provided to the elderly for the conduct of the online registration process. For enquiries, please call our hotline: 2856 5071 / 2856 5072, or browse our website (https://www.amcm.gov.mo/static/banknotes/terms_pt.html).

 

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 2019 Year of the Pig Commemorative

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

豬年

This is the eighth note of the Chinese Zodiac series celebrating the Year of the Pig (05.02.2019 to 25.01.2020). This note is issued by the Banco Naciobal Ultramarino (BNU).

Ten Patacas

Dated 2019

Reverse

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 2018 Year of the Dog Commemorative

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

狗年

This is the seventh note of the Chinese Zodiac series celebrating the Year of the Dog (16.02.2018 to 04.02.2019). This note is issued by the Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU).

Ten Patacas

Dated 2018

Reverse

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 2017 Year of the Rooster Commemorative

Ten Patacas

Dated 2017

Reverse

This ten patacas commemorative note, together with the Bank of China's 10 pacatas note, was released on 9.5.2016 to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Whilst this is a legal tender banknote, the value is insignificant. This is the smallest value banknote currently issued by both the commercial banks in Macau.
  

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 - Goat - 07 February 2016

08 Feb 2016 to 27 Jan 2017 - monkey

28 Jan 2017 to 15 Feb 2018 - rooster

16 Jan 2018 to 04 Feb 2019 - dog

05 Feb 2019 to 24 Jan 2020 - pig

25 Jan 2020 to 11 Feb 2021 - rat

12 Feb 2021 to 31 Jan 2022 - ox

01 Feb 2022 to 21 Jan 2023 - tiger

22 Jan 2023 to 09 Feb 2024 - rabbit

Macau - Banco Nacional Ultramarino 2016 Year of the (Fire) Monkey Commemorative

Ten Patacas

Dated 2016

Reverse

It appears that the two currency issuing commercial banks in Macau – Bank of China and Bank Nacional Ultramarino are now issued these 10 Patacas Chinese Zodiac commemorative notes on a biyearly basis since 2014. This year the Zodiac sign is the fire Monkey and the Rooster for 2017. Like previous issues, 20 million pieces printed for public circulations. These notes were released on 9.5.2016. Whilst I am not sure as to why the banks decided to release them in pares, it would be more economical to do it this way rather than on an annually basis. In addition to the costs saving in printing them, the administration costs side of it could also be reduced too. These are the 5th and 6th issues in the 12 animals cycle. The series full cycle will complete in 2023 with the Year of the Rabbit. the Zodiac signs usually start with the year of the Rat. This series commenced with the year of the Dragon in 2012.

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 - Goat - 07 February 2016

08 Feb 2016 to 27 Jan 2017 - monkey

28 Jan 2017 to 15 Feb 2018 - rooster

16 Jan 2018 to 04 Feb 2019 - dog

05 Feb 2019 to 24 Jan 2020 - pig

25 Jan 2020 to 11 Feb 2021 - rat

12 Feb 2021 to 31 Jan 2022 - ox

01 Feb 2022 to 21 Jan 2023 - tiger

22 Jan 2023 to 09 Feb 2024 - rabbit

Macau, Banco Nacional Ultramarino - 10 Patacas Year of the Goat 2015 Commemorative

Ten Patacas

Dated 1.1.2015

Reverse

Today is Chinese New Year Eve. As part of the tradition, many Chinese would have returned to their home town by now to have a reunion meals celebration with their elders/parents. To all those who celebrate this Spring Festival, a very Happy and Prosperous New Year to you all. 

This is a Ten Patacas 2015 Year of the Goat commemorative Banknote. Both the Bank of China and Banco Nacional Ultramarino commenced issuing Chinese Zodiac banknotes since 2012, with the first issue for the Year of the Dragon. Unlike all previous Chinese Zodiac notes issued, this note was released much earlier, on 6.10.2014, together with the Year of the Horse 10 Patacas notes. This is the forth issue note in the 12 Animals cycle series. The design of this note is very similar to those issued by Bank of China except the company's brand name, it's head office building and the signatures. It is said that people who were born in the year of the Goat will received financial help or inherit money from unlikely sources. Well, if you are one, your days will come, hopefully soon! Here are some famous people who were born in the Year of the Goat - Barbara Walters, King George IV, Rudolph Valentino, Sir Laurence Oliver (1907), Billie Jean King (1943), Pierre Trudeau (1919) and the late Shah of Iran (1919). Goat years - 1907, 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003 and 2015. 

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 - Goat - 07 February 2016

08 Feb 2016 to 27 Jan 2017 - monkey

28 Jan 2017 to 15 Feb 2018 - rooster

16 Jan 2018 to 04 Feb 2019 - dog

05 Feb 2019 to 24 Jan 2020 - pig

25 Jan 2020 to 11 Feb 2021 - rat

12 Feb 2021 to 31 Jan 2022 - ox

01 Feb 2022 to 21 Jan 2023 - tiger

22 Jan 2023 to 09 Feb 2024 - rabbit

Macau - Banco Nacional Ultramarino 2014 Year of the Horse Commemorative

31 January 2014 - 18 February 2015

Ten Patacas

Dated 1.1.2014

Reverse

This is the long awaited issue 2014 Year of the Horse commemorative note. This note was supposed to release in early 2014 but was delayed until October 2014. This note was made only available to both residents and non permanent residents of Macau via online registration. The registration was first announced on 4.6.2014 with each person can register only once for up to 30 pieces of banknotes from each issuing bank (Bank of China and Banco Nacional Ultramarino), with distribution commenced from 6.10.2014 to 31.12.2014. To avoid the same mistake happening again, both banks also released the Year of the Snake notes 10 Patacas simultaneously. It is believed that 20 millions pieces have been printed by each bank. This is the third note of the 12-Banknote series. Some famous persons born in the Year of the Horse - Neil Armstrong, Rembrandt, Theodore Roosevelt, F D Roosevelt, Barbra Streisand, Paul MaCartney, Chris Evert and Anwar Sadat.

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 Feb 2015 to 07 Feb 2016 - goat
08 Feb 2016 to 27 Jan 2017 - monkey
28 Jan 2017 to 15 Feb 2018 - rooster
16 Jan 2018 to 04 Feb 2019 - dog
05 Feb 2019 to 24 Jan 2020 - pig
25 Jan  2020 to 11 Feb 2021 - rat
12 Feb 2021 to 31 Jan 2022 - ox
01 Feb 2022 to 21 Jan 2023 - tiger
22 Jan 2023 to 09 Feb 2024 - rabbit

Macau, Banco Nacional Ultramarino - 10 Patacas 2013 Lunar New Year Commemorative

Banco Nacional Ultramarino
Lunar New Year - Year of the Snake

10.02.2013 - 30.01.2014

Ten Patacas

Dated 2013, PNL

Reverse

Joint Issue Front Cover

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 Feb 2015 to 07 Feb 2016 - goat
08 Feb 2016 to 27 Jan 2017 - monkey
28 Jan 2017 to 15 Feb 2018 - rooster
16 Jan 2018 to 04 Feb 2019 - dog
05 Feb 2019 to 24 Jan 2020 - pig
25 Jan  2020 to 11 Feb 2021 - rat
12 Feb 2021 to 31 Jan 2022 - ox
01 Feb 2022 to 21 Jan 2023 - tiger
22 Jan 2023 to 09 Feb 2024 - rabbit

Macau, Banco Nacional Ultramarino - 10 Patacas 2012 Year of the Dragon Commemorative

Ten Patacas, Dated 1,1,2012

Commemorating Chinese Lunar New Year - Year of the Dragon (23.1.2012 - 9.2.2013)

Banco Nacional Ultramarino, Note issued on 12.1.2012
 "Gong Xi Fa Cai"

First Print - 7 Digits Serial Number

Dated 2012, PNL

Reverse

Second Reprint - 8 Digits Serial Number

Dated 2012, PNL

Reverse

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 Feb 2015 to 07 Feb 2016 - goat
08 Feb 2016 to 27 Jan 2017 - monkey
28 Jan 2017 to 15 Feb 2018 - rooster
16 Jan 2018 to 04 Feb 2019 - dog
05 Feb 2019 to 24 Jan 2020 - pig
25 Jan  2020 to 11 Feb 2021 - rat
12 Feb 2021 to 31 Jan 2022 - ox
01 Feb 2022 to 21 Jan 2023 - tiger
22 Jan 2023 to 09 Feb 2024 - rabbit