New Banknotes of Macau: 50 and 100 Patacas of the 2020 Series
In January 2025, Macau will officially introduce new 50 and 100 pataca banknotes, issued by the local Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU) and Banco da China (BdC). This issuance is timed to coincide with the celebration of the Chinese New Year, which will be observed on January 29–30, 2025.
The Significance of the Issuance
The Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays in the region. During this time, it is customary to gift new banknotes as a symbol of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. The release of these new notes aligns with this tradition while also reinforcing trust in Macau’s monetary system.
Design and Features of the Banknotes
The new banknotes maintain the general style of the 2020 series but include unique elements. The design highlights Macau’s history, culture, and architectural landmarks.
Banco da China (BdC)
✅ 100 Patacas (≈13 USD)
- Color: Dark blue
- Front Side: Banco da China headquarters in Macau, dragon, carnival lion, text in Chinese and Portuguese.
- Back Side: Tun Seng Tong Historical Archive Exhibition Hall, Macau’s cityscape.
- Security Features: Color-changing elements (SPARK), a lotus flower watermark with the number "100", a holographic security thread.
- Size: 153 × 77 mm.
- Printer: Hong Kong Note Printing Limited.
✅ 50 Patacas (≈6.25 USD)
- Color: Dark brown
- Front Side: Banco da China headquarters, dragon, lotus flower, carnival lion.
- Back Side: Kiang Wu Historical Museum, Macau’s skyline.
- Security Features: Color-changing elements (SPARK), a lotus flower watermark with the number "50", a holographic security thread.
- Size: 149 × 75 mm.
- Printer: Hong Kong Note Printing Limited.
Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU)
✅ 100 Patacas (≈13 USD)
- Color: Blue, black, orange
- Front Side: Banco Nacional Ultramarino headquarters, lotus flower, denomination as a registration device.
- Back Side: A 1949 map of Macau, a tree.
- Security Features: Color-changing elements (SPARK), lotus flower watermark, holographic thread.
- Size: 153 × 76.5 mm.
✅ 50 Patacas (≈6.25 USD)
- Color: Brown
- Front Side: Banco Nacional Ultramarino headquarters, lotus flower.
- Back Side: A 1889 map of Macau, a tree.
- Security Features: Color-changing elements (SPARK), lotus flower watermark with the number "50", holographic security thread.
- Size: 148 × 74 mm.
Advanced Security Features
The new banknotes incorporate modern security features, making them highly resistant to counterfeiting:
- SPARK technology – color-changing ink from purple to green.
- Holographic security thread with transparent windows, featuring a demetallized lotus flower and the denomination.
- Watermarks – a traditional lotus flower symbol, combined with the banknote’s face value.
- Tactile markings – standardized features for visually impaired individuals.
Issuance Date and Circulation
The official issuance date is May 18, 2020, but the banknotes will only enter circulation in 2025. This practice is common among Asian financial institutions, where banknotes are printed in advance and released at an appropriate time.
Why Is This Important for Macau?
The issuance of the 50 and 100 patacas of the 2020 series holds several key benefits:
- Cultural tradition – the new banknotes symbolize wealth and prosperity for the New Year.
- Economic stability – updating the currency circulation with enhanced security measures.
- Tourism boost – many visitors purchase these banknotes as souvenirs.
Thus, the 50 and 100 patacas of the 2020 series will not only contribute to Macau’s cash circulation but also become a significant part of the Chinese New Year celebrations.
Vitalii Cherniuk
IBNS member 13299-R
Co-owner & CEO World Banknote Store
