Banknote Portugal 500 Escudos - Mouzinho Da Silveira - 04-08-1985 - Various serial

Folds, manipulating fold, salissures

José Xavier Mouzinho da Silveira (1780-1849) was a major Portuguese politician and reformer of the 19th century. Trained in law at the University of Coimbra, he became famous for modernizing Portugal's administration and fiscal system. As Minister of Finance, he abolished feudal privileges and taxes that burdened the population, making the administration more efficient and centralized. During the Liberal Wars, he was a crucial supporter of the liberals against the absolutism of King Miguel I and worked under Dom Pedro IV to reorganize the state. After the liberals' victory, his reforms had a lasting impact on the country. Exiled to France due to internal political conflicts, he remains an iconic figure of progressive reforms in Portugal.