China is going to issue two commemorative banknotes in the second half of 2019 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Macao’s return to China. 5 million 20 patacas notes are going to be issued by two private banks, Bank of China and the Banco Nacional Ultramarino each. Every Macao resident will be allowed to exchange a maximum of 10 notes. The obverse side features the huge gilded bronze sculpture “Lotus Flower In Full Bloom” symbolising the prosperity of Macao. The issuing bank’s headquarters building and an image of Macao coast are also featured. A part of the world’s longest sea crossing, the 34-mile Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge is shown on the reverse side. It was inaugurated in October 2018 and connects Hong Kong, Macao, and Zhuhai. Buildings from the old districts of Macao are also shown in the background.

Macao was a sovereign state under Portugal until it became an autonomous part of the People’s Republic of China in 1999. Everything except diplomatic relations and national defence is handled by the country independently. Banco Nacional Ultramarino was established when the country was under Portugal in 1902.

Image Courtesy: Bank of China