Portugal Banknotes | Historical Banknote Collection

About Portuguese Escudo

The Portuguese Escudo (PTE) was the currency of Portugal from 1911 until 2002 when it was replaced by the Euro. The post-1945 escudo banknotes feature prominent figures from Portuguese history, including explorers from the Age of Discovery, writers, and national heroes.

The Banco de Portugal was responsible for issuing these notes, which showcase excellent examples of engraving and printing craftsmanship. Each note tells a story of Portugal's rich cultural heritage.

1911-2002

Escudo Era

Collection Items

50 Escudos - Infante D. Henrique

Denomination:	50 Escudos
Year:	1964
Issuer:	Banco de Portugal
Portrait:	Infante D. Henrique (Henry the Navigator)
Dimensions:	150 × 85 mm
Condition:	Very Fine (VF)

This note features Henry the Navigator, who initiated the Age of Discovery. The reverse depicts maritime scenes representing Portugal's exploration heritage.

100 Escudos - Fernando Pessoa

Denomination:	100 Escudos
Year:	1988
Issuer:	Banco de Portugal
Portrait:	Fernando Pessoa (Poet)
Dimensions:	134 × 68 mm
Condition:	Extremely Fine (EF)

Fernando Pessoa was one of the most significant literary figures of the 20th century. This note from the last escudo series features his distinctive portrait with his famous hat.

500 Escudos - João de Barros

Denomination:	500 Escudos
Year:	1997
Issuer:	Banco de Portugal
Portrait:	João de Barros (Historian)
Dimensions:	138 × 68 mm
Condition:	Uncirculated (UNC)

João de Barros was known as the first great Portuguese historian. This note from the Age of Discovery series features his portrait alongside decorative elements representing Portuguese exploration.

1000 Escudos - Pedro Álvares Cabral

Denomination:	1000 Escudos
Year:	1996
Issuer:	Banco de Portugal
Portrait:	Pedro Álvares Cabral
Dimensions:	142 × 68 mm
Condition:	About Uncirculated (AU)

Pedro Álvares Cabral is credited with discovering Brazil in 1500. This note commemorates his voyage with maritime imagery and the Portuguese coat of arms.

Historical Notes

The Portuguese escudo went through several design series after 1945. The post-war notes initially featured more traditional designs before transitioning to the "Navigators" series in the 1990s, which celebrated Portugal's Age of Discovery.

Key features of these notes include watermarks, security threads, and intaglio printing that made them difficult to counterfeit.

Portugal joined the European Union in 1986, and the escudo was eventually replaced by the Euro on January 1, 2002. The final series of escudo notes remains highly collectible due to their beautiful designs and historical significance.

The exchange rate at Euro adoption was fixed at 200.482 escudos per Euro.