On 13 July 2008, Bank of China Macau Branch was authorized to issue MOP20 commemorative banknotes for the 29th Olympic Games in Beijing. With approval from the International Olympic Committee and the Beijing Organizing Committee, and under Macau Administrative Regulation No. 5/2008, a total of 4 million notes were released.
Macau joins the Olympic programme
Macau’s MOP20 Olympic note (Pick M16) was authorised under Administrative Regulation No. 5/2008 on 13 July 2008, with approval from the IOC and Beijing Organising Committee. Bank of China Macau Branch — the territory’s note issuer — released four million notes linking the Special Administrative Region to the mainland host city.
The design pairs Olympic symbolism with Macau identity through lotus motifs and auspicious clouds on the reverse, while the obverse shows the BOCHK Macau building and ancient Olympic columns. Collectors in Hong Kong and Macau often mount the 2008 HK and MOP pair side by side as a cross-border Olympic set.
Design and symbolism
The reverse features the National Stadium — the Bird’s Nest — together with traditional auspicious cloud patterns, a lotus motif reflecting Macau identity, and colourful sports graphics. The overall theme is “Macau joining hands with the Olympic Games”.
Issue and collecting notes
- Sales to Macau residents ran from August to October 2008 on proof of identity.
- Security features include a colour-shifting windowed thread showing “Beijing 2008” when viewed against light.
- The note is legal tender but was sold as a commemorative product and is mainly collected today.