Macau 1 Pataca 1992-2007

History

Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com

Description

Portuguese Macau refers to the period from the mid-16th century until 1999 when Macau, a small territory on the southern coast of China, was under Portuguese administration. Established as a trading post in 1557, Macau became a vibrant hub for commerce between Europe and Asia. It developed a unique cultural blend of Portuguese and Chinese influences, visible in its architecture, language, and traditions. In 1999, Macau was officially handed over to China, becoming a Special Administrative Region (SAR) while maintaining a high degree of autonomy under the "one country, two systems" framework.

Designer: Justino Lei

Obverse	Animal (fish, bird, mammal etc.) Bat Depicts a bat on top of a stylized design of Chinese Characters (literal meaning Bay Gate or Macau), the colony name in Portuguese in the centre, date below. In China, bats have been associated with happiness, joy and good fortune. Five bats are used to symbolise the "Five Blessings": longevity, wealth, health, love of virtue and peaceful death. 澳 MACAU 門 1992
Reverse	Construction (building, bridge etc.) Lighthouse Depicts Guia Lighthouse, and the denomination in both Cantonese and Portuguese. The Guia Lighthouse, located on Guia Hill in Macau, China, is the oldest modern lighthouse on the Chinese coast, built in 1865 during Portuguese colonial rule. Part of the UNESCO-listed Guia Fortress complex, it served both military and navigational purposes, guiding ships safely to the port of Macau. The structure combines a white cylindrical tower with a small chapel—Our Lady of Guia—reflecting a unique blend of European and local architectural influences. Its strategic location not only offers sweeping views of Macau but also symbolizes the city’s maritime heritage and colonial past. Would you like historical photos or a satellite view of the lighthouse? 圓壹 1 PATACA
Edge	Reeded (milled)