Mozambique 20 Meticais 2006 Pick 143 UNC Banknote
The Mozambique 20 Meticais 2006 Pick 143 banknote was issued by the Banco de Moçambique on 16 June 2006 as part of the first New Metical (MZN) banknote series introduced after Mozambique’s currency redenomination. Printed on high-quality paper, it combines modern security features with a tribute to Samora Moisés Machel, the country’s first President.
Presented in UNC (Uncirculated) condition, this colourful banknote is one of the most popular lower denominations of Mozambique’s 2006 series.
Historical Background
On 1 July 2006, Mozambique introduced the New Metical (MZN), replacing the old Metical (MZM) at a rate of 1,000 old Meticais = 1 new Metical. The 20 Meticais denomination became part of the country’s new banknote family, designed to reflect national history while improving durability and anti-counterfeiting protection. The design was later replaced by a polymer version in 2011, making the 2006 paper issue an important first edition of the new currency.
Technical Specifications
- Country: Mozambique
- Denomination: 20 Meticais
- Year: 2006
- Issue Date: 16 June 2006
- Pick Number: P-143
- Condition: Uncirculated (UNC)
- Issuer: Banco de Moçambique
- Currency: Mozambican Metical (MZN)
- Material: Paper
- Dimensions: 140 × 64 mm
- Printer: De La Rue (United Kingdom)
Obverse
The obverse features:
- Portrait of Samora Moisés Machel
- Banco de Moçambique logo
- Denomination numerals
- Decorative guilloche patterns
- Serial numbers
Samora Moisés Machel (1933–1986) was the first President of independent Mozambique, serving from 1975 until his death. He remains one of the nation’s most respected historical figures and appears throughout Mozambique’s modern banknote series.
Reverse
The reverse depicts:
- African rhinoceros
- Natural landscape
- Decorative security elements
- Large denomination numerals
The rhinoceros represents Mozambique’s commitment to protecting its wildlife and highlights the country’s important conservation areas, including Gorongosa National Park, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife reserves.
Security Features
- Watermark of Samora Moisés Machel
- Electrotype 20
- Embedded security thread
- Iridescent security strip
- Fine guilloche engraving
- Intaglio printing
- Microprinting
- Serial numbering
Why Add This Banknote to Your Collection?
The Mozambique 20 Meticais 2006 Pick 143 UNC banknote marks the beginning of the country’s modern currency following the 2006 redenomination. Combining the portrait of Samora Machel with an elegant wildlife design, it is an essential addition to any collection of African banknotes.
Perfect for:
- Mozambique banknote collections
- African currency collections
- Wildlife-themed banknotes
- Rhinoceros collections
- Modern world paper money
- UNC banknote collections
Collector’s Note
The Pick 143 is the first paper 20 Meticais of Mozambique’s New Metical series. It was replaced in 2011 by the polymer Pick 149, which retained the same portrait and rhinoceros theme while introducing a transparent security window. Collectors often seek both issues to illustrate Mozambique’s transition from traditional paper to polymer banknotes.
