Collection: Discover the Land of Navigators: Old Banknotes that Tell the Story of Portugal

Explore Portuguese Notaphily: A Legacy of Discoveries and Lusitanian Heritage

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Portuguese notaphily , where each vintage banknote reflects the Age of Discovery, the monarchy, and Portugal's vibrant Lusitanian heritage. At Iberoamericana Banknotes , we present our meticulously curated collection of vintage Portuguese banknotes , perfect for both seasoned collectors and new buyers passionate about the monetary heritage of this Atlantic nation. Vintage Portuguese banknotes are more than just paper money; they are relics that chronicle the introduction of the Portuguese escudo in 1911, its evolution through the dictatorship and the Carnation Revolution, and its replacement by the euro in 2002, symbolizing the transition from a national currency to the European Union.

The Evolution of Old Banknotes in Portugal: From the Real to the Escudo and the Euro

Before 1911, Portugal used the Portuguese real . Following the establishment of the Republic on October 5, 1910, the Bank of Portugal , founded in 1846, introduced the Portuguese escudo (PTE) in 1911, divided into 100 centavos. The first 500-escudo banknotes , issued in 1911, featured Vasco da Gama and the caravel. From 1926 to 1974, under the Estado Novo, series featuring António de Oliveira Salazar were issued. The final series (1995–2001) featured Bartolomeu Dias . Portugal adopted the euro on January 1, 2002.

Rare Old Banknotes from Portugal: Jewels of Atlantic Notaphily

Our collection highlights rare vintage banknotes from Portugal , such as:

• 1911 Series (Republic) : the 1,000 escudos of 1911 with Camões and the Jerónimos Monastery.

• 1926 Series (Estado Novo) : the 500 escudos of 1926 with Infante Don Enrique and the Sagres School.

• Series 1968-1989 : the 5,000 escudos of 1980 with Pedro Álvares Cabral and the map of Brazil.

• Last series 1995-2001 : the 10,000 escudos of 1996 with Fernando Pessoa and the Belém Tower.

For lovers of Atlantic banknotes , we include exclusive pieces such as the 2,500 escudo note from 1989 featuring King John II and the globe, and the last 10,000 escudo note from 1998. These vintage banknotes incorporate advanced security features : a metallic thread, a watermark of the navigator, optically variable ink, and microtext. The rarity of the 1911 banknotes (from the transition to the Republic) and the last ones from 2001 makes them highly sought after at international auctions, valued for their connection to Portuguese discoveries and poetry.

Preservation and Authenticity of Old Banknotes: Our Promise

Conservation is paramount in our selection of vintage Portuguese banknotes . Each piece is graded on standard scales such as VF (Very Fine) or UNC (Uncirculated), preserving details like watermarks featuring the caravel, fluorescent fibers, and the signatures of the Governor of the Bank of Portugal. We recommend that collectors of rare vintage banknotes verify their integrity under UV light, where elements such as the map of Portugal will glow in shades of yellow or green. At Iberoamericana Banknotes , all our pieces come from verified sources, avoiding common forgeries found in replicas of the 1911 series.

Why Collect Old Portuguese Banknotes

From the 1,000 escudo note of 1911 featuring Camões and the Jerónimos Monastery, to the 10,000 escudo note of 1996 with Pessoa and the Belém Tower, this collection offers a window into Portuguese history. Each vintage banknote reflects key moments, such as the Republic of 1910 or the adoption of the euro in 2002. For new collectors , it's an entry point into collecting with historical value; for experienced collectors , it's a chance to acquire complete series that enrich any collection.

Trust Iberoamericana Banknotes

At Iberoamericana Banknotes , we guarantee the authenticity of every vintage banknote with detailed certificates and expertise in Ibero-American and Atlantic numismatics. We offer pieces in optimal condition for your collectible collection and secure, discreet international shipping to any destination. Trust our authority to elevate your passion for vintage Portuguese banknotes to new heights.