20 Escudos POR Banknote (Mid-20th Century Escudo Notes) 1964

20 Escudos Reis / Escudo (Issued 1964)

The 1964 Portuguese 20 Escudos banknote represents a transitional period in the nation’s mid-twentieth-century monetary evolution, issued during a pivotal moment in Portugal’s economic development. Collectors and currency specialists recognise this denomination for its distinctive portraiture and the refined engraving techniques employed by Banco de Portugal. The note’s design reflects the aesthetic standards of the 1960s, combining classical Portuguese imagery with the security practices of the era. Its circulation history and subsequent withdrawal make it a subject of interest for those researching Portugal’s currency evolution across the latter half of the twentieth century.

On the front, the banknote displays the denomination “20” in large serif numerals positioned at both the top left and top right corners, rendered in a dark sepia-brown tone against the cream-coloured paper. The text “Banco de Portugal” appears in ornate gothic script across the upper portion, flanked by decorative floral and scroll motifs in matching brown ink. Centred on the note is a portrait of a bearded man wearing a medieval hood or coif, executed in fine line engraving with meticulous cross-hatching to create subtle tonal gradation. Below the portrait, the denomination is stated as “VINTE ESCUDOS” with the word “OURO” beneath, indicating the gold standard reference of the period. The date “LISBOA 26 DE MAIO DE 1964” is printed in smaller text, anchoring the issue date. A serial number “CLN 92464” appears on both the left and right sides of the note in blue-black ink. The overall background features fine guilloché patterning and security lines in pale green and cream, creating a complex surface texture designed to inhibit counterfeiting. Decorative borders frame the entire design, with ornamental corner blocks and flowing baroque-inspired flourishes.

The reverse presents a striking architectural scene dominated by a fortified castle or tower structure, rendered in the same sepia-brown engraving style. The building features multiple storeys, crenellated walls, and defensive towers, surrounded by ornamental baroque scrollwork and acanthus leaf designs that frame the central architectural motif. The denomination “20” appears again in the upper left and upper right corners in matching serif numerals. The text “Banco de Portugal” is inscribed at the base in gothic script, with decorative flourishes extending across the bottom margin. The reverse background employs fine line engraving throughout, with subtle colour variations in pale green and cream creating a watermarked effect that enhances security. The paper itself shows the characteristic texture and translucency typical of mid-twentieth-century Portuguese banknotes, with evidence of careful fibre composition designed to resist wear during circulation.

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• Indicate the quantity of 20 Escudos Reis / Escudo banknotes you want to exchange
• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button
• Your online account now shows the exchange value

From leftover holiday money to inherited collections, Webuyallcurrency.com will exchange or buy your Portuguese Escudos banknotes and other foreign currency, handling old and withdrawn pieces in the same simple process.