50 Dobras

São Tomé and Príncipe gained independence from Portugal in July 1975, and the new Banco Nacional required its own currency rapidly. Bradbury Wilkinson, by then a well-established security printer with extensive African issue experience, handled the first dobra series — this 50 Dobras being part of that foundational set. The dobra itself replaced the escudo at par, a clean conversion with no redenomination drama.

Bradbury Wilkinson was acquired by De La Rue in 1986, closing its New Malden operations shortly after. Notes from this 1977 issue were printed before that transition and represent the full independent run of the firm's involvement with the country.