Catalog
10 Escudos Independence, Silver
| Issuer | Banco de Cabo Verde |
|---|---|
| Year | 1985 |
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
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| Reverse description | The central field features a bold stylized graphic composition comprising the letter 'V' overlaid by a circular arc and a horizontal bar element, evoking a modernist emblem symbolizing national progress and unity; the inscription 'Cabo Verde' appears within the design, alongside the words 'RESPONSABILIDADES', 'UNIDADE', and 'EFICACIA' in a vertical sequence to the right. A five-pointed star is positioned above the central device. The commemorative dates '1975 X 1985' are inscribed along the lower exergue, and the legend 'DECIMO ANIVERSARIO' curves along the upper periphery. |
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| Additional information |
Cape Verde's independence from Portugal in 1975 left the new government managing an economy almost entirely dependent on foreign aid — the islands had no significant agricultural export base and chronic drought had devastated what little existed. The 1985 silver issue was produced specifically for collector markets rather than circulation, a pragmatic revenue strategy that many newly independent African states adopted during this period when hard currency was scarce.
The .925 fineness matches British sterling standard — an unusual choice for a Lusophone issuer, and likely reflects the preferences of the European proof coin market the piece was aimed at.