Macau Banknotes

Macau was a Portuguese colony until 1999 and its currency still tells that story: the pataca retains the name given to it by the Portuguese, and some of the banknotes are still issued by the Banco Nacional Ultramarino, with text in both Portuguese and Chinese.

Two issuers and two languages

The Banco Nacional Ultramarino and the Bank of China each issue their own patacas, with distinct designs. Those from the BNU feature Portuguese on an equal footing with Chinese, something unique in Asia.

Notaphily with an Iberian connection

For a Spanish or Portuguese collector, Macau is the closest Asian gateway: same alphabet, same bank names, same administrative heritage as Angola or São Tomé. It fits in with Angola and São Tomé in a Lusophone collection.

What you will find here

Patacas with Pick references and genuine condition. Protected and tracked shipping from Spain.

Discover more banknotes from the region in Banknotes of Asia.