500 Escudos POR Banknote (Mid-20th Century Escudo Notes) 1979

500 Escudos Reis / Escudo (Issued 1979)

Portugal’s 500 Escudos banknote from 1979 represents a period when the nation was reimagining its cultural identity and economic aspirations following significant political transformation. The note honours a figure of considerable historical importance to Portuguese heritage, reflecting the Banco de Portugal’s commitment to celebrating the country’s intellectual and cultural legacy. The architectural imagery on the reverse depicts landmarks central to Portuguese civic life, grounding the currency in the tangible geography of the nation. This denomination served as a substantial store of value during a transformative decade for Portuguese society.

On the front, a portrait of a bearded gentleman occupies the right portion of the note, rendered in deep burgundy and rose tones against the pale pink background of the banknote. The figure wears period clothing including a distinctive white ruffled collar set against a deep burgundy garment, characteristic of sixteenth-century Portuguese dress. The engraving displays meticulous fine-line work across the facial features and fabric textures, with particularly detailed cross-hatching defining the contours of the face and the delicate pleating of the collar. The left side of the note features an ornate oval frame executed in purple and blue guilloché pattern work, creating an intricate geometric border around a white central space. The denomination “500” appears in burgundy in both lower corners, whilst “QUINHENTOS ESCUDOS OURO” text is positioned centrally above the portrait. The Banco de Portugal name is printed across the top in burgundy serif lettering, and a serial number “EZ 45716” is visible in the upper right corner and repeated on the left margin.

The reverse displays an expansive architectural scene rendered entirely in deep burgundy and rose tones on a pale pink ground. A detailed cityscape unfolds across the composition, featuring multiple buildings with varied architectural styles, including structures with distinctive rooflines and what appear to be fortress or castle elements on elevated terrain. A prominent fountain or monument occupies the centre-left of the scene, with gathered figures surrounding it, suggesting a bustling public plaza or gathering space. The word “QUINHENTOS ESCUDOS” appears prominently at the bottom of the reverse in burgundy lettering. Denomination marking “500” is repeated in burgundy ovals in both lower corners and the upper right, maintaining visual consistency with the front design. The Banco de Portugal name is printed across the top in the same serif typeface, and decorative guilloché patterning frames the white oval centrepiece on the right side, mirroring the security features visible on the obverse.

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• Indicate the quantity of 500 Escudos Reis / Escudo banknotes you want to exchange
• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button
• Your online account now shows the exchange value

Whether you want to sell foreign coins and notes or exchange leftover currency from past trips, Webuyallcurrency.com accepts Portuguese Escudos banknotes alongside modern money and settles everything in a single, easy transaction.