
The Mozambican escudo has a rich history that spans several decades. It was introduced in 1975, replacing the Portuguese escudo at a rate of 1:1.
The escudo was divided into 100 centavos. Mozambique's economy has faced significant challenges since gaining independence, including a brutal civil war that lasted from 1977 to 1992.
The escudo was pegged to the US dollar at a rate of 1 USD = 16.50 MZM from 1980 to 1991. This peg was a result of Mozambique's attempts to stabilize its economy.
In 1991, Mozambique transitioned to a floating exchange rate system.
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History of Mozambican Escudo
The Mozambican escudo has a rich history that dates back to its introduction as a replacement for the real at a rate of 1 escudo = 1000 réis.
Initially, Mozambique used Portuguese coins, but in 1935, the country issued its own coins specifically for use within its borders.
The escudo was equal in value to the Portuguese escudo until 1977, a fact that highlights the close economic ties between the two countries at the time.
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Introduction to Mozambican Escudo
The Mozambican escudo was introduced to replace the real at a rate of 1 escudo = 1000 réis. Initially, Mozambique used Portuguese coins, but later issued its own specific coins in 1935.
The escudo was equal in value to the Portuguese escudo until 1977. This indicates that the Mozambican escudo was widely recognized and accepted during this period.
In 1975, the metica was proposed as a replacement for the escudo, but it wasn't used. This suggests that the metica was considered but ultimately not adopted.
The escudo was eventually replaced by the metical in 1980 at par, marking a significant change in Mozambique's currency.
Timeline of Escudo History
The Mozambican Escudo has a rich history that spans several decades. It was first introduced in 1975 as the official currency of Mozambique.
The Escudo replaced the Portuguese Escudo, which was used during Mozambique's colonial period. The country gained independence from Portugal in 1975.
The Mozambican Escudo was initially pegged to the South African Rand, which had a significant impact on the country's economy. The peg was later abandoned in 1984.
The Escudo underwent a series of revaluations in the 1980s, with the most significant one being in 1980. This revaluation increased the value of the Escudo by 100%.
Mozambican Escudo Denominations
The Mozambican escudo had a range of denominations over the years. In 1914, provisional issues for 100 and 1000 escudos were introduced.
Regular issues for 10, 20, and 50 centavos were also introduced in 1914. Emergency issues of notes for 10, 20, and 50 centavos and 1 and 2+1⁄2 escudos were introduced in 1920.
Here's a list of some of the notable denominations:
- 1 escudo
- 2+1⁄2 escudos
- 5 escudos
- 10 escudos
- 20 escudos
- 50 escudos
- 100 escudos
- 500 escudos
- 1000 escudos
Coins
Coins were a significant part of Mozambican currency, with various denominations issued over the years.
Between 1935 and 1936, coins for 10, 20 and 50 centavos, 1, 2+1⁄2, 5 and 10 escudos were introduced, with the 2+1⁄2, 5 and 10 escudos being made of silver.
The 2+1⁄2, 5 and 10 escudos coins were later replaced by base metal coins between 1968 and 1971.
In 1952, silver 20 escudos coins were issued, marking a significant addition to the Mozambican currency.
The last coins were issued in 1974, bringing an end to the production of Mozambican coins.
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Banknotes
The Mozambican escudo was introduced in 1914, and the Banco Nacional Ultramarino started issuing banknotes for 100 and 1000 escudos, alongside regular issues for 10, 20, and 50 centavos.
In 1920, emergency issues of notes for 10, 20, and 50 centavos and 1 and 2+1⁄2 escudos were introduced to meet the growing demand. These emergency issues were a temporary solution until regular issues could be printed.
The Banco Nacional Ultramarino continued to issue new denominations, including regular issues for 1, 2+1⁄2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 escudos.
Emergency issues for 50 centevaos and regular 500 and 1000 escudos notes were introduced in 1941, expanding the range of available denominations.
In 1976, the Banco Nacional Ultramarino overprinted existing 50, 100, 500, and 1000 escudos notes with the name of the new issuing bank, the Banco de Moçambique.
Inhambane Usage
Inhambane, a denomination of the Mozambican Escudo, was used in the city of Inhambane from 1978 to 1980.
During this period, it was the highest denomination in circulation, with a value of 1,000 escudos.
Inhambane notes were printed with a distinctive design featuring a map of the city of Inhambane.
The Inhambane denomination was withdrawn from circulation in 1980 due to inflation and economic instability.
Mozambique 1936 Coin

In 1935 and 1936, coins were introduced for 10, 20 and 50 centavos, 1, 2+1⁄2, 5 and 10 escudos, with the 2+1⁄2, 5 and 10 escudos made of silver.
The 2+1⁄2, 5 and 10 escudos were issued with silver content.
Between 1968 and 1971, base metal coins replaced the silver 5, 10 and 20 escudos.
The last coins were issued in 1974.
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