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Auction: 26100 - World Banknotes - e-Auction
Lot: 664

(x) Banco Nacional Ultramarino, Saint Thomas and Prince, 20,000 Reis, 2nd January 1897, rotator serial number 006900,

The Banco Nacional Ultramarino introduced the first banknotes specifically issued for St. Thomas and Prince in 1897. Prior to this, notes prepared for Angola circulated on the islands bearing the overprint “S. Thomé,” a temporary solution in use since 1868. This beautiful 20,000 Reis note was the highest denomination intended for circulation, and would primarily have been intended for commercial or institutional transactions.

Its ornate design is characteristic of Banco Nacional Ultramarino’s colonial issues, with perforations at the sides revealing where the note was once attached to its counterfoil. Surviving examples are exceptionally scarce today, as early colonial African banknotes were typically printed in modest quantities, and many were later withdrawn or redeemed. As a result, the 1897 20,000 Reis of St. Thomas and Prince ranks among the most sought-after and historically significant issues of the Portuguese colonial series.

(Pick 6, BNU ST9a), extremely fine, only three neat vertical folds and one horizontal through centre, left and right edges perforated, a small curved indent at the lower left corner and some light handling. A superbly bright and appealing example of this outstandingly rare, high denomination issue, not to mention the excellent serial number

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£6,000

Starting price
£5500