Mozambique 100 Escudos Banknote 1961 Issue With 1976 Overprint Appraisal

Mozambique 100 Escudos Banknote, 1961 Issue with 1976 Overprint

This is a historical 100 Escudos banknote originally issued by the Banco Nacional Ultramarino for the Portuguese colony of Mozambique, dated March 27, 1961. The note features a predominantly green and multicolored intricate guilloche pattern across its surface. On the right, there is a detailed portrait of Aires de Ornelas, a Portuguese colonial administrator. Positioned centrally is a significant black overprint reading 'BANCO DE MOÇAMBIQUE', which was applied following Mozambique's independence to repurpose colonial currency. The serial number 'C59410700' appears twice in black ink. The paper appears relatively crisp with bright colors, though there are visible horizontal and vertical fold lines indicating previous circulation. The corners appear slightly softened, but the margins remain largely intact without significant tears or stains. This piece represents a dual era of history: the late Portuguese colonial period (as evidenced by the 1961 date and Banco Nacional Ultramarino branding) and the transition to an independent republic in the mid-1970s. The craftsmanship reflects high-quality security printing of the mid-20th century, utilizing fine line engraving and complex underlying lithographic patterns to prevent counterfeiting.