Portugal Banknotes Catalog

The history of banknotes in Portugal is a fascinating journey through the country's economic and cultural evolution. From their first issues to the adoption of the euro, Portuguese banknotes have reflected the rich history and heritage of the nation.

Old banknotes of Portugal

The first Portuguese banknotes were issued in 1797 by the Bank of Lisbon. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Portugal used the coat of arms as the national currency, with banknotes featuring historical figures and cultural motifs. One of the most significant milestones was the introduction of the Novo Escudo in 1911, after the fall of the monarchy, which marked a new era in Portuguese notafilia.

Current banknotes in circulation

Since 2002, Portugal has been part of the euro zone, using banknotes common to the entire European Union. These banknotes, designed by Robert Kalina, feature European architectural motifs and are available in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500. Although the euro banknotes are identical in all member countries, each nation maintains its identity on the coins, where Portugal includes national symbols such as the coat of arms and historical figures.