...Macau Bank of China Macau Branch - 10 Patacas Year Of The Rabbit 2023

 中華人民共和國澳門特別行政區

(Região Administrativa Especial de Macau da República Popular da China)
(Macau Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China)

中國銀行澳門分行

(Banco da China, filial de Macau)

(Bank of China Macau Branch)

 Currency: Patacas (MOP)

 兔🐇年

 🐀 🐂🐅🐇🐉🐍🐎🐐🐒🐓🐕🐖

 

This is the 12th and the last of the Chinese Zodiac banknote issued to celebrate the Chinese Calendar Zodiac animal series. A full cycle consists of 12 animals starting from the Rat to Pig, and this Zodiac banknote series first started in 2012 with the Year of the Dragon. The Dragon is the 5th Zodiac animal in the 12-year cycle.

The announcement for this Rabbit Zodiac series was made on 11.04.2023. Interested collectors were invited to submit their application online to purchase the notes at face value. The online application was opened on 17.04.2023 and closed on 12.05.2023. Each application was allowed to purchase the note of 10 pieces per bank at face value. Like the last 11 issues, both the Bank of China (BoC) and Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU) issued one note each. The banknotes were then distributed via 9 commercial banks across the Macau territory. As per all previous releases, only the residents of Macau are eligible to obtain these new banknotes. This note was released on 22.05.2023.

 

The main design for the Year of the Rabbit banknote is basically the same as all the previous Zodiac banknotes issued, except the Zodiac animal of the year. The colour for the note is predominantly printed in red which is traditionally an auspicious colour to the Chinese (including gold colour as well).

 

As this is the last animal of the 12-year cycle, and it would be interesting to see if this tradition will continue next year, which is the Year of the Dragon. The Year of the Dragon note which was issued in 2012 was an instant hit with demand exceeded supply which let to the Monetary Authority of Macau to print another batch to cater for the demand. The first batch of notes were all printed with 7-digit serial numbers and the second was printed with 8-digit.

 

The history for the Bank of China was that it was originally established by Mr Zhuang Shiping (b.1911 -??) in June 1950, and at the time it was called Nam Tung Bank (Nantong Bank). On 01.01.1987, it was then renamed to the Bank of China Macau Branch, and became the 9th overseas branch of Bank of China. It was reported that the bank was donated to the current owner free of charge in 1986. Bank of China Macau Branch is the largest bank in the territory, and the Banco Nacional Ultramarino is ranked 6th. 

 

The date printed on this note is 01.01.2023 澳門 (Macau).

Ten Patacas

Rabbit, Chinese Zodiac dial

Front - The main design for the Year of the Rabbit banknote is basically the same as all the previous Zodiac banknotes issued, except the Zodiac animal for the particular year. The design also incorporated the Chinese Zodiac in Chinese with all 12 animals. The Chinese auspicious word 福 (Fu/Luck) is also printed on the top right hand corner. The colour for the note is predominantly printed in red which is traditionally an auspicious colour to the Chinese (together with gold colour as well).

 

President of Macau Branch (澳門分行行長) - Li Guang 李光

Watermark - Lotus flower

Dimensions - 139mm x 69.7mm

Back - The Bank of China's head office situated at Av. Dr. Matio Soares in Macau. The 38-storey tall building was built in 1991. The building is located in the financial and commercial center of Praia Grande in Macau. Printed on the background is the A-Ma temple which is also a historical building and is a very famous temple in Macau. This temple was built in 1488 during the Ming Dynasty (1364-1644) and is located in Sao Lourenco in the southwestern of the Macau peninsula. The temple was built to commemorate Mazu, the sacred sea goddess who blesses the fishermen for safety and for good catches of fishes in the sea. In 2005, it became one of the designated sites of the Historic Center of Macau. To the right is the image of the Rabbit Zodiac animal.

 

BoC's head office building, A-Ma temple,

Lunar Chinese New Year 12-year full cycle

Dragon - 23 January 2012 to 9 February 2013

Snake - 10 February 2013 to 30 January 2014

Horse - 31 January 2014 to 18 February 2015

Goat - 19 February 2015 to 07 February 2016

Monkey - 08 February 2016 to 27 January 2017

Rooster - 28 January 2017 to 15 February 2018

Dog - 16 January 2018 to 04 February 2019

Pig - 05 February 2019 to 24 January 2020

Rat - 25 January 2020 to 11 February 2021

Ox - 12 February 2021 to 31 January 2022

Tiger - 01 February 2022 to 21 January 2023

Rabbit - 22 January 2023 to 09 February 2024

...Macau Bank of China Macau Branch - 10 Patacas Year Of The Tiger 2022

 中華人民共和國澳門特別行政區

(Região Administrativa Especial de Macau da República Popular da China)
(Macau Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China)

中國銀行澳門分行

(Banco da China, filial de Macau)

(Bank of China Macau Branch)

 Currency: Patacas (MOP)

 (老)虎🐅年

🐀 🐂🐅🐇🐉🐍🐎🐐🐒🐓🐕🐖

 

This is the 11th and the second last issue of the Chinese Zodiac banknote series issued to celebrate the Chinese Calendar Zodiac Animal Series Lunar New Year. A full cycle consists of 12 animals starting from the Rat to Pig, and this Zodiac banknote series was first started in 2012 with the Year of the Dragon note. The Dragon is placed in the 5th Zodiac animal order in the Chinese Zodiac cycle.

The announcement for this Zodiac banknote series was made on 11.04.2023. Interested collectors were invited to submit their application online to purchase the notes at face value. The online application was then opened on 17.04.2023 and closed on 12.05.2023. Each application was allowed to purchase 10 pieces per bank at face value. Like the last 10 issues, both the Bank of China (BoC) and Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU) have released one note of 10 patacas each. The notes were then made available from 22.05.2023 to 11.08.2023 and were distributed via 9 commercial banks across the Macau territory. As per all previous releases, only the residents of Macau are eligible to obtain these new banknotes.

 

Whilst this note is for the year of the Tiger which is for the 2022 year, it was not released until May 2023. The Year of the Tiger started on 01.02.2022 and ended on 21.01.2023. The two banks in Macau have been releasing these Chinese Zodiac banknotes for two years in a row since the 2014 issue for the year of the Horse, together with the Year of the Goat. Prior to that, only one note was released per year (Dragon and Snake).

 

The main design for this note is very much the same as those released by BNU. The only differences are the bank's name and their respective brand logo, the Head Office building in Macau and the signature printed on the note. At a quick glance without looking at the name of the bank or brand, both notes look almost identical.

The history of the Bank of China was that it was originally established by Mr Zhuang Shiping (b.1911 -??) in June 1950, and at the time it was called Nam Tung Bank (Nantong Bank). On 01.01.1987, it was then renamed to Bank of China Macau Branch and became the 9th overseas of Bank of China. It was reported that the bank was donated to the current owner free of charge in 1986. Bank of China Macau Branch is the largest bank in the territory, and the Banco Nacional Ultramarino is ranked 6th. 

The date printed on this note is 01.01.2022 澳門 (Macau).

 

Ten Patacas

Tiger, Chinese Zodiac dial

 

Front - The main design for the Year of the Tiger banknote is basically the same as all the previous Zodiac banknotes issued, except the Zodiac animal for the particular year. The design also incorporated the Chinese Zodiac in Chinese with all 12 animals. The Chinese auspicious word 福 (Fu/Luck) is also printed on the top right hand corner. The colour for the note is predominantly printed in red which is traditionally an auspicious colour to the Chinese (together with gold colour as well).

 

President of Macau Branch (澳門分行行長) - Li Guang 李光

Watermark - Lotus flower

Dimensions - 139mm x 69.7mm

Back - The Bank of China's head office is situated at Av. Dr. Matio Soares in Macau. The 38-storey tall building was built in 1991. The building is located in the financial and commercial center of Praia Grande in Macau. Printed on the background is the A-Ma temple which is also a historical building and is a very famous temple in Macau. This temple was built in 1488 during the Ming Dynasty (1364-1644) and is located in Sao Lourenco in the southwestern of the Macau peninsula. The temple was built to commemorate Mazu, the sacred sea goddess who blesses the fishermen for safety and for good catches of fishes in the sea. In 2005, it became one of the designated sites of the Historic Center of Macau. To the right is the image of the Tiger Zodiac animal.

BoC's head office building, A-Ma temple, Tiger

 

Lunar Chinese New Year 12-year full cycle

23 January 2012 to 9 February 2013 - Dragon

10 February 2013 to 30 January 2014 - Snake

31 January 2014 to 18 February 2015 - Horse

19 February 2015 to 07 February 2016 - Goat

08 February 2016 to 27 January 2017 - Monkey

28 January 2017 to 15 February 2018 - Rooster

16 January 2018 to 04 February 2019 - Dog

05 February 2019 to 24 January 2020 - Pig

25 January 2020 to 11 February 2021 - Rat

12 February 2021 to 31 January 2022 - Ox

01 February 2022 to 21 January 2023 - Tiger

22 January 2023 to 09 February 2024 - Rabbit

..Macau - 20 Patacas 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games Commemorative

中華人民共和國澳門特別行政區

(Região Administrativa Especial de Macau da República Popular da China)

(Macau Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China) 

 

中國銀行澳門分行

(Banco da China, filial de Macau)

(Bank of China Macau Branch)

Currency : Pataca (MOP)

 

Like the Bank of China (Hong Kong Branch), the Bank of China (Macau Branch) also released a 20 patacas commemorative banknote, celebrating the XXIV Beijing Winter Olympic Games which was held in Beijing, China from 04.02.2022 to 20.02.2022. Beijing is the only city that has staged both the Summer and Winter Olympic games.

 

Registration for the purchase for these new notes were opened from 01.12.2021 to 13.12.2021 and distribution from 10.01.2022. Each application is limited to two notes per person. Somehow, you find sellers have these notes for sale by the bundle!! Unlike the twenty dollars commemorative notes issued in Hong Kong by the Bank of China (Hong Kong Branch), these new notes were released at face value. No uncut sheets have been reported.

 

The design for this note is completely new but retained the bank's building on the front like all those previously banknotes issued. 

Twenty Patacas

Bank of China Macau Branch building, Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics logo

Front - Bank of China Macau Branch building in Macau. A large snowflake is also featured and in the center of the snowflake is printed with the XXIV Beijing Olympic Winter Games logo. The Bank of China Macau Branch building is a 38 story or 163 meters tall, however the building depicted on the note is only showing about the top part of the building. Construction for the Bank of China building started in 1989 and completed in 1991.

 

Back - Two short track speed skaters competing, National Speed Skating Oval. The famous landmark of the ruins of St. Paul's in Macau is also printed on the background vaguely. This note is printed with the Portuguese language date of Macau 26 De Abril De 2021; 二零二一年四月二十六日澳門 (Macau 26.04.2021).

This note has a snowflake watermark and the note is predominately printed in purple colour.

 

Signature - Li Guang (李光) General Manager (since 2017)

Date printed on the note - Macau, 26 De Abril De 2021 二零二一年四月二十六日澳門 (Macau 26.04.2021).

Date made available to the public - 10.01.2022 

Dimensions - 143.5mm x 72mm

Two short track speed skaters competing, National Speed Skating Oval

It is believed that only one prefix is printed for this note, with the two letters of BC, presumably stands for Bank of China. It is also believed that 2.0 million pieces were issued, all in single note. This note is printed with 7-digit serial numbers. If you find these notes offered for sale in a folder, they are not official folders, but rather 'home made'.

...Macau, Bank of China - 10 Patacas Year of the Ox 2021

中華人民共和國澳門特別行政區
(Região Administrativa Especial de Macau da República Popular da China)
(Macau Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China)

中國銀行澳門分行

(Banco da China, filial de Macau)

(Bank of China Macau Branch)

 Currency : Pataca (MOP)

 牛🐂年

 

Together with the 10 patacas Year of the Rat, this note was released on 04.05.2021, to celebrate the Year of the Ox. The Ox is the second animal on the Chinese Zodiac cycle of 12 animals. In 2021, the Chinese New Year was celebrated on 12.02.2021. The Chinese Zodiac series first started in 2012 with the Year of the Dragon (fifth Zodiac animal). According to the traditional beliefs, those who were born in the Year of the Ox can be considered to be dependable, calm, and methodical. They are also patient and tireless workers, just like the animal itself. One can also argue that the Ox person can be a good listener but also stubborn too and therefore making them change their mind would be a tough ask.

 

In addition to the Bank of China Macau Branch, the Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU) also released one for the same series. Only two commercial banks in Macau have the licenses to issue legal tender banknotes. The Bank of China Macau Branch has been issuing banknotes in Macau since 1995 whilst the BNU first issued banknotes in 1905.

 

Like those previously issued Chinese Zodiac banknotes series issued, registration for the notes started on 22.03.2021 until 09.04.2021. The announcement for the release of these two notes was made on 12.03.2021. Only those who are residing in Macau can apply for the notes and each application is restricted to 25 pieces each per bank. The notes were released on 04.05.2021. Apart from the two issuing banks, the notes were also distributed via 7 other commercial banks in Macau. Closing date for the collection was on 23.07.2021.

 

Like those previously issued, the design on the front is the Ox Zodiac and also the Chinese Zodiac in Chinese with all 12 animals. The Chinese auspicious word 福 (Fu/Luck) is also printed on the top right hand corner. On the back, it depicts the bank's main head office building in Macau with the image of the front entrance to the A-Ma temple (媽閣廟) together children celebrating the Chinese New Year and lighting firecrackers. On the left is the image of an Ox Zodiac in reverse. 

 

The A-Ma temple is a historical building and is a very famous temple in Macau. This temple was built in 1488 during the Ming Dynasty (1364-1644) and is located in Sao Lourenco in the southwestern of the Macau peninsula. The temple was built to commemorate Mazu, the sacred sea goddess who blesses the fishermen for safety and for good catches of fishes in the sea. In 2005, it became one of the designated sites of the Historic Centre of Macau.

 

The design for this note is very much the same as those released by BNU. The only differences are the bank's name and their respective brand logo, the Head Office building in Macau and the signature printed on the note. At a quick glance without looking at the name of the bank or brand, both notes look almost identical.

Signature - Li Guang (I believe the signature belongs to Li Guang 李光, who is the General Manager of the BoC Macau Branch)

Dimensions - 138mm x 69mm

Ten Patacas

Dated 2021, Year of the Ox

Bank of China Head Office building in Macau, A-Ma temple (媽閣廟) together children celebrating the Chinese New Year and lighting fire crackers. On the left is the image of a Ox Zodiac in reverse

 

Official announcement for the release:

Online registration for the exchange of the Rat and Ox Zodiac banknotes and the 20th Anniversary of the Return to the Motherland of Macau banknotes commencing next Monday March 12th, 2021 The joint online registration for the exchange of the Rat and Ox Zodiac banknotes, together with the previously issued 20th Anniversary of the Return to the Motherland of Macau banknotes, will commence next Monday. The tentative exchange quantity for the Rat and Ox Zodiac banknotes of each Issuing Bank is 25 pieces, making a total of 100 pieces of the two types of Zodiac Banknotes from the two Issuing Banks. On the other hand, the tentative exchange quantity for the 20th Anniversary of the Return to the Motherland of Macao banknotes previously issued by each Issuing Bank is 3 pieces, making a total of 6 notes from the two Issuing Banks. Each Macao resident can only conduct a single registration for the exchange of the two types of Zodiac banknotes and the 20th Anniversary of the Return to the Motherland of Macau banknotes, with no provision for the separate exchange of any one type of note. Depending on the final number of registrants, the actual quantity to be exchanged may be adjusted and will be announced after the end of the registration period. Starting from 9:00am on 22 March 2021 and until 6:00pm on 9 April 2021, residents holding valid Macao identity cards can log onto the joint registration system of the two Issuing Banks via the website of Monetary Authority of Macao (https://www.amcm.gov.mo/static/banknotes/terms_pt.html) to conduct a one-time online registration. Apart from the two Issuing Banks - Bank of China Macau Branch (BOC) and Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU), residents can also select other exchange locations including the selected branches of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Macao) Limited, Tai Fung Bank Limited, OCBC Wing Hang Bank Limited, Luso International Banking Limited, Banco Commercial de Macao, China Construction Bank Macau Branch and China Guangfa Bank Macau Branch. While registrants should retain their registration records, they can also log onto the online registration system for inquiry of their confirmed registration details. The exchange period is between 4 May 2021 and 23 July 2021. Registrants should bring along their valid ID card and proceed in person to exchange for the notes at the chosen location on the selected day. In respect of the note exchange conducted by authorized representatives, the latter will need to bring along his/her original ID card and submit the following documents: 

 

1. Representative’s photocopy of ID card bearing his / her signature; 

2. Authorization form downloaded from AMCM’s website signed by the registrant; 

3. Registrant’s photocopy of Macao ID card bearing his / her signature. At designated branches of BOC and BNU, assistance will be provided to the elderly for the conduct of the online registration process. For enquiries, please call our hotline: 2856 5071 / 2856 5072, or browse our website (https://www.amcm.gov.mo/static/banknotes/terms_pt.html).

Lunar Chinese New Year 12-year full cycle

 

23 January 2012 to 9 February 2013 - Dragon

10 February 2013 to 30 January 2014 - Snake

31 January 2014 to 18 February 2015 - Horse

19 February 2015 to 07 February 2016 - Goat

08 February 2016 to 27 January 2017 - Monkey

28 January 2017 to 15 February 2018 - Rooster

16 January 2018 to 04 February 2019 - Dog

05 February 2019 to 24 January 2020 - Pig

25 January 2020 to 11 February 2021 - Rat

12 February 2021 to 31 January 2022 - Ox

01 February 2022 to 21 January 2023 - Tiger

22 January 2023 to 09 February 2024 - Rabbit

 

...Macau, Bank of China - 10 Patacas Year of the Rat 2020

中華人民共和國澳門特別行政區
(Região Administrativa Especial de Macau da República Popular da China)
(Macau Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China)

中國銀行澳門分行

(Banco da China, filial de Macau)

(Bank of China Macau Branch)

 Currency: Pataca (MOP)

 鼠🐀年

 

This is the latest issue and the ninth note of the Chinese Zodiac series of banknote of 10 patacas, first started in 2012 with the Year of the Dragon. In 2020, Chinese New Year was celebrated on 25.01.2020 and was the Year of the Rat. According to the Chinese Zodiac cycle, the Rat is the first animal listed on the 12 year cycle. According to the Chinese, those who were born in the Rat year are generally considered to be forthright, honest, easy to get along, hard working, thrifty and generous too.

 

In addition to Bank of China Macau Branch, the Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU) also released one for the same series. Only two commercial banks in Macau have the licenses to issue legal tender banknotes. Bank of China Macau Branch has been issuing banknotes in Macau since 1995 whilst the BNU first took up the responsible since 1905.

 

This is the latest issue and the ninth note of the Chinese Zodiac series of banknotes of 10 patacas, first started in 2012 with the Year of the Dragon. In 2020, Chinese New Year was celebrated on 25.01.2020 and was the Year of the Rat. According to the Chinese Zodiac cycle, the Rat is the first animal listed on the 12 year cycle. According to the Chinese, those who were born in the Rat year are generally considered to be forthright, honest, easy to get along with, hard working, thrifty and generous too.

 

In addition to the Bank of China Macau Branch, the Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU) also released one for the same series. Only two commercial banks in Macau have the licenses to issue legal tender banknotes. The Bank of China Macau Branch has been issuing banknotes in Macau since 1995 whilst the BNU first took up the responsibility in 1905.

Like those previously issued Chinese Zodiac banknotes series issued, registration for the notes started on 22.03.2021 until 09.04.2021. The announcement for the release of these two notes was made on 12.03.2021. Only those who were residing in Macau can apply for the notes and each application is restricted to 25 pieces each per bank. For some reasons, some people can get more than the official quotas. The notes were released on 04.05.2021. Apart from the two issuing banks, the notes were also distributed via 7 other commercial banks in Macau. Closing date for the collection was on 23.07.2021.

 

Like those previously issued, the design on the front is the Rat Zodiac and also the first Chinese Zodiac in Chinese with all 12 animals. The Chinese auspicious word 福 (Fu/Luck) is also printed on the top right-hand corner. On the back, it depicts the bank's main head office building in Macau with the image of the front entrance to the A-Ma temple (媽閣廟) together children celebrating the Chinese New Year and lighting firecrackers. On the left is the image of a Rat Zodiac in reverse. 

 

The A-Ma temple is a historical building and is a very famous temple in Macau. This temple was built in 1488 and is located in Sao Lourenco in the southwestern of the Macau peninsula. In 2005, it became one of the designated sites of the Historic Centre of Macau.

 

The design for this note is very much the same as those released by BNU. The only differences are the bank's name and their respective brand logo, the Head Office building in Macau and the signature printed on the note. At a quick glance without looking at the name of the bank or brand, both notes look almost identical. 

 

Signature - Li Guang (I believe this is his signature 李光, who is the General Manager of the BoC Macau Branch)

Dimensions - 138mm x 69mm

Ten Patacas

Dated 2020, Year of the Rat

Bank of China Head Office building in Macau, A-Ma temple (媽閣廟) together children celebrating the Chinese New Year and lighting fire crackers. On the left is the image of a Rat Zodiac in reverse

This is an algorithm used in ancient China to record the year, month, day, and time. It is called "ganzhi". Heavenly Stem: A, B, C, D, W, H, G, Xin, Ren, Kui Earthly Branch: Zi Chou Yin Mao Chen Si Noon Noon Shen You Xu Hai

 

E.g: 2019 = the year of Jihai 2020 = Geng Zi Year 2021 = Xin Chou Year 2022 = Renyin Year... All rounds are 60 years old, and they are called "Yijiazi". 

 

Official announcement for the release:

Online registration for the exchange of the Rat and Ox Zodiac banknotes and the 20th Anniversary of the Return to the Motherland of Macau banknotes commencing next Monday March 12th, 2021. The joint online registration for the exchange of the Rat and Ox Zodiac banknotes, together with the previously issued 20th Anniversary of the Return to the Motherland of Macau banknotes, will commence next Monday. The tentative exchange quantity for the Rat and Ox Zodiac banknotes of each Issuing Bank is 25 pieces, making a total of 100 pieces of the two types of Zodiac Banknotes from the two Issuing Banks. On the other hand, the tentative exchange quantity for the 20th Anniversary of the Return to the Motherland of Macao banknotes previously issued by each Issuing Bank is 3 pieces, making a total of 6 notes from the two Issuing Banks. Each Macao resident can only conduct a single registration for the exchange of the two types of Zodiac banknotes and the 20th Anniversary of the Return to the Motherland of Macau banknotes, with no provision for the separate exchange of any one type of note. Depending on the final number of registrants, the actual quantity to be exchanged may be adjusted and will be announced after the end of the registration period. Starting from 9:00am on 22 March 2021 and until 6:00pm on 9 April 2021, residents holding valid Macao identity cards can log onto the joint registration system of the two Issuing Banks via the website of Monetary Authority of Macao (https://www.amcm.gov.mo/static/banknotes/terms_pt.html) to conduct a one-time online registration. Apart from the two Issuing Banks - Bank of China Macau Branch (BOC) and Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU), residents can also select other exchange locations including the selected branches of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Macao) Limited, Tai Fung Bank Limited, OCBC Wing Hang Bank Limited, Luso International Banking Limited, Banco Comercial de Macao, China Construction Bank Macau Branch and China Guangfa Bank Macau Branch. While registrants should retain their registration records, they can also log onto the online registration system for inquiry of their confirmed registration details. The exchange period is between 4 May 2021 and 23 July 2021. Registrants should bring along their valid ID card and proceed in person to exchange for the notes at the chosen location on the selected day. In respect of the note exchange conducted by authorized representatives, the latter will need to bring along his/her original ID card and submit the following documents: 

 

1. Representative’s photocopy of ID card bearing his / her signature; 

2. Authorization form downloaded from AMCM’s website signed by the registrant; 

3. Registrant’s photocopy of Macao ID card bearing his / her signature. At designated branches of BOC and BNU, assistance will be provided to the elderly for the conduct of the online registration process. For enquiries, please call our hotline: 2856 5071 / 2856 5072, or browse our website (https://www.amcm.gov.mo/static/banknotes/terms_pt.html).

  

Lunar Chinese New Year 12-year full cycle

 

23 January 2012 to 9 February 2013 - Dragon

10 February 2013 to 30 January 2014 - Snake

31 January 2014 to 18 February 2015 - Horse

19 February 2015 to 07 February 2016 - Goat

08 February 2016 to 27 January 2017 - Monkey

28 January 2017 to 15 February 2018 - Rooster

16 January 2018 to 04 February 2019 - Dog

05 February 2019 to 24 January 2020 - Pig

25 January 2020 to 11 February 2021 - Rat

12 February 2021 to 31 January 2022 - Ox

01 February 2022 to 21 January 2023 - Tiger

22 January 2023 to 09 February 2024 - Rabbit

Macau Bank of China - 20 Patacas Commemorative Note 2019 20th Year of Return to China 1999 - 2019

中華人民共和國澳門特別行政區

Macau Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China

中國银行 / Banco Da China / Bank of China

This is a commemorative 20 patacas banknote issued on 22.10.2019, celebrating 20th year of Macau's returned back to China 1999-2019. This is a joint issue with the Banco Nasional Ultramarino celebrating this special occasion. A total quantity of 5.0 million pieces issued but is limited to 5 pieces per person. It is believed that this note is not intended for general circulation.

The design of this note features a golden Shengshi lotus flower on the front. The lotus flower is the national flower of Macau. On the left is the main building of the Bank of China building in Taipa Macau. The note is printed with the date of 1 de Abril de 2019 (01.04.2019).

On the back, it features the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao bridge and tunnel (HZMB), linking Hong Kong, Zhuhai China (珠海市中国) and Macau. This is the longest ocean crossing bridge ever built in the world. It involves three man made islands and also the world longest undersea tunnel crossing of 6.7km. The entire crossing is 55km long and it took 8 years to complete at a cost of USD18+ billion. The bridge is built with 3 spans running from left (Macau), Jiuzhoua channel bridge (two-sail shape towers), Jianghai channel bridge (3-sail shape towers) and Qingzhou channel bridge (as the main image on the back of the note). Like all mega project, the construction of this bridge was delayed by more than a year with cost overruns, human casualties and not to mention the environment impact on those white dolphins living around the areas. The HZMB was completed in early 2018 and opened to traffic in October 2018. The crossing takes about 45 minutes by car from end to end, reducing the journey from 4.5 hours if one has to drive inland between Hong Kong and Macao via China. This bridge is built to withstand a super typhoon or an earthquake of 8.0 on Richter magnitude scale. Seriously do you want to risk this, really? I believe the view on the back of this note heading from Hong Kong on the left to Macau/China on the right.

The road systems in China is that all cars drive on the right hand side of the road whilst both Hong Kong and Macau are the opposite. The entire crossing follows the China road systems but with crossover when reaching both Hong Kong and Macau territories. When the bridge was first completed and for one who wants to use this bridge, one has to apply for the daily quota permit limited to 10,000, pay a significant fee, have adequate insurance and also a special driving license too (not sure if this is still the case). There are further restriction once in Macau as it only allows up to 300 foreign cars entering this enclave daily.

The value of 20 patacas represents the 20th year anniversary. This is the 11th commemorative note issued by the Bank of China since 1995.

Twenty Patacas

Dated 2019

Reverse

Footnote
The design of this note (front and back) are identical to the one issued by Banco Nasional Ultramarino, except the issuing bank's respective brand, logo, head office building and signature/title.

Buyer's Beware
It is believe that there are no official folders issued for this series. If you have bought any of the notes in folders, then these folders are "home-made" and not sanctioned by the two issuing banks. To me, this is the simplest way to tell the differences; -

-Macau use traditional Chinese writing and the name MACAU is written as "澳門";
-in China, the simplified Chinese writing for Macau is "澳门";
-the difference between these two is the second character "門" vs "门" (meaning Door/Gate in English);
-whilst the note is printed with the traditional Chinese character, the folder is not;
-like Hong Kong and Taiwan, Macau have not switched over to the simplified Chinese writing since it was first started in mainland China in the 1930s;
-of course, there are other writings on the folder and on the note have the same meaning but written differently (traditional vs simplified).

Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge and tunnel (HZMB)

 

Macao Bank of China - 10 Patacas 2019 Year of the Pig Commemorative

中華人民共和國澳門特別行政區
Região Administrativa Especial de Macau da República Popular da China
Macau Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China

中國銀行澳門分行
Banco da China, filial de Macau
Bank of China Macau Branch

豬年

This is the eighth note of the Chinese Zodiac series celebrating the Year of the Pig (05.02.2019 to  25.01.2020). This note is issued by the Bank of China (BoC).

Ten Patacas

Dated 2019

Reverse

Lunar Chinese New Year 12-year full cycle

23 January 2012 to 9 February 2013 - dragon

10 February 2013 to 30 January 2014 - snake

31 January 2014 to 18 February 2015 - horse

19 February 2015 to 07 February 2016 - goat

08 February 2016 to 27 January 2017 - monkey

28 January 2017 to 15 February 2018 - rooster

16 January 2018 to 04 February 2019 - dog

05 February 2019 to 24 January 2020 - pig

25 January 2020 to 11 February 2021 - rat

12 February 2021 to 31 January 2022 - ox

01 February 2022 to 21 January 2023 - tiger

22 January 2023 to 09 February 2024 - rabbit

Macau Bank of China - 10 Patacas 2018 Year of the Dog Commemorative

中華人民共和國澳門特別行政區
Região Administrativa Especial de Macau da República Popular da China
Macau Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China

中國銀行澳門分行
Banco da China, filial de Macau
Bank of China Macau Branch

狗年 

This is the seventh note of the Chinese Zodiac series celebrating the Year of the Dog (16.02.2018 to 04.02.2019). This note is issued by the Banco Naciobal Ultramarino (BNU).

Ten Patacas

Dated 2018

Reverse

Lunar Chinese New Year 12-year full cycle

23 January 2012 to 9 February 2013 - dragon

10 February 2013 to 30 January 2014 - snake

31 January 2014 to 18 February 2015 - horse

19 February 2015 to 07 February 2016 - goat

08 February 2016 to 27 January 2017 - monkey

28 January 2017 to 15 February 2018 - rooster

16 January 2018 to 04 February 2019 - dog

05 February 2019 to 24 January 2020 - pig

25 January 2020 to 11 February 2021 - rat

12 February 2021 to 31 January 2022 - ox

01 February 2022 to 21 January 2023 - tiger

22 January 2023 to 09 February 2024 - rabbit

Macau - Bank of China 2017 Year of the Rooster Commemorative

Ten Patacas

Dated 2017

Reverse

This ten patacas commemorative note, together with the Banco Nacional Ultramarino's 10 pacatas note, was released on 9.5.2016 to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Whilst this is a legal tender banknote, the value is insignificant. This is the smallest value banknote currently issued by both the commercial banks in Macau.
  

Lunar Chinese New Year 12-year full cycle

23 January 2012 to 9 February 2013 - dragon

10 February 2013 to 30 January 2014 - snake
31 January 2014 to 18 February 2015 - horse

19 February 2015 to 07 February 2016 - goat

08 February 2016 to 27 January 2017 - monkey

28 January 2017 to 15 February 2018 - rooster

16 January 2018 to 04 February 2019 - dog

05 February 2019 to 24 January 2020 - pig

25 January 2020 to 11 February 2021 - rat

12 February 2021 to 31 January 2022 - ox

01 February 2022 to 21 January 2023 - tiger

22 January 2023 to 09 February 2024 - rabbit

Macau - Bank of China 2016 Year of the Fire Monkey Commemorative

Ten Patacas

Dated 2016

Reverse

It appears that the two currency issuing commercial banks in Macau – Bank of China and Bank Nacional Ultramarino are now issued these 10 Patacas Chinese Zodiac commemorative notes on a biyearly basis since 2014. This year the Zodiac sign is the fire Monkey and the Rooster for 2017. Like previous issues, 20 million pieces printed for public circulations. These notes were released on 9.5.2016. Whilst I am not sure as to why the banks decided to release them in pares, it would be more economical to do it this way rather than on an annually basis. In addition to the costs saving in printing them, the administration costs side of it could also be reduced too. These are the 5th and 6th issues in the 12 animals cycle. The series full cycle will complete in 2023 with the Year of the Rabbit. the Zodiac signs usually start with the year of the Rat. This series commenced with the year of the Dragon in 2012.

Lunar Chinese New Year 12-year full cycle

23 January 2012 to 9 February 2013 - dragon

10 February 2013 to 30 January 2014 - snake
31 January 2014 to 18 February 2015 - horse

19 February 2015 to 07 February 2016 - goat

08 February 2016 to 27 January 2017 - monkey

28 January 2017 to 15 February 2018 - rooster

16 January 2018 to 04 February 2019 - dog

05 February 2019 to 24 January 2020 - pig

25 January 2020 to 11 February 2021 - rat

12 February 2021 to 31 January 2022 - ox

01 February 2022 to 21 January 2023 - tiger

22 January 2023 to 09 February 2024 - rabbit

Macau - Bank of China Year Of The Goat

Ten Patacas

Dated 1.1.2015

Reverse

Happy New Goat Year to you all. This is a Ten Patacas 2015 Year of the Goat commemorative Banknote. Both the Bank of China and Banco Nacional Ultramarino commenced issuing Chinese Zodiac banknotes since 2012. Like the BNU note, this note was also released earlier on 6.10.2014, together with the Year of the Horse 10 Patacas notes, with the first issue for the Year of the Dragon. Unlike all previous Chinese Zodiac notes issued, this note was released much earlier, on 6.10.2014, together with the Year of the Horse 10 Patacas notes. This is the forth issue note in the 12 Animals cycle series. The design of this note is very similar to those issued by Banco Nacional Ultramarino except the company's brand name, it's head office building and the signatures. It is said that people who were born in the year of the Goat will received financial help or inherit money from unlikely sources. Well, if you are one, your days will come, hopefully soon! Here are some famous people who were born in the Year of the Goat - Barbara Walters, King George IV, Rudolph Valentino, Sir Laurence Oliver (1907), Billie Jean King (1943), Pierre Trudeau (1919) and the late Shah of Iran (1919). Goat years - 1907, 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003 and 2015. 

Lunar Chinese New Year 12-year full cycle

23 January 2012 to 9 February 2013 - dragon

10 February 2013 to 30 January 2014 - snake
31 January 2014 to 18 February 2015 - horse

19 February 2015 - Goat - 07 February 2016

08 Feb 2016 to 27 Jan 2017 - monkey

28 Jan 2017 to 15 Feb 2018 - rooster

16 Jan 2018 to 04 Feb 2019 - dog

05 Feb 2019 to 24 Jan 2020 - pig

25 Jan 2020 to 11 Feb 2021 - rat

12 Feb 2021 to 31 Jan 2022 - ox

01 Feb 2022 to 21 Jan 2023 - tiger

22 Jan 2023 to 09 Feb 2024 - rabbit