50 Escudos POR Banknote (Mid-20th Century Escudo Notes) 1968

50 Escudos Reis / Escudo (Issued 1968)

Portugal’s mid-twentieth century currency reflected the nation’s deep connection to its historical monarchy and architectural heritage. The 50 Escudos banknote issued in 1968 captured the cultural identity of a nation proud of its medieval fortifications and royal lineage. This denomination served as a practical medium of exchange during a significant period in Portuguese history, before the currency underwent transformation in later decades. The note represents the aesthetic standards and security printing techniques that the Banco de Portugal employed during the post-war era.

On the front, the banknote features a portrait of a woman positioned to the right of centre, rendered in fine intaglio engraving with meticulous attention to facial detail and period costume. She wears an ornate headdress and elaborate pearl necklaces characteristic of sixteenth-century Portuguese nobility. The predominant colour scheme consists of warm terracotta and rust tones blended with cream and pale gold across the note’s surface. The left margin displays large denomination numerals reading “50” in ornate styling, with the text “Banco de Portugal” and “Cinquenta Escudos Ouro” printed in decorative serif typeface. A serial number appears in the upper right corner reading “AK 49314”. The date “LISBOA 28 DE MAIO DE 1966” is printed beneath the portrait. Intricate guilloché patterns frame the edges of the note, featuring geometric lattice work and curved ornamental designs in contrasting browns and golds. The right side shows another large “50” denomination marker within a circular cartouche, and fine line engraving creates a security border running vertically along the right margin.

The reverse displays an architectural landscape as its dominant feature, showcasing a medieval castle town with multiple turrets, fortification walls, and densely clustered buildings rendered in pale brown and ochre tones. The fortified settlement is depicted in careful architectural detail, with the structures positioned across the lower two-thirds of the note. The text “Banco de Portugal” appears at the top in serif typography, with large “50” denomination markers positioned in the left and right corners within decorative cartouches. The entire reverse employs the same warm colour palette of terracotta, cream, and pale gold. Ornamental guilloché patterns and floral scrollwork decorate the right side of the note in intricate detail, featuring curved lines and rosette motifs. The banknote’s surface throughout exhibits fine parallel line work and subtle tonal gradations typical of high-quality intaglio printing from this era.

Webuyallcurrency.com makes it easy to exchange old coins and banknotes — a 50 Escudos banknote from Portugal is accepted with other old or withdrawn Portuguese Escudos banknotes and converted into cash in one go.

• Indicate the quantity of 50 Escudos Reis / Escudo banknotes you want to exchange
• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button
• Your online account now shows the exchange value

Got a mix of old coins and banknotes? Webuyallcurrency.com will exchange your Portuguese Escudos banknotes alongside other leftover and foreign currency, settling the whole lot in one straightforward transaction.