Description
The escudo is the official currency of the Republic of Cape Verde since 1914, when it replaced the Cape Verdean real. In 1930, Under Portuguese rule, the first coins were introduced in denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 50 centavos, and 1 escudo, followed by the 21/2 and 10 escudos in 1953 and 5 escudos in 1968. After the independence in 1975, coins were issued in denominations of 20 and 50 centavos, and 1 and 21/2, 10, 20 and 50 escudos. In 1994 were introduced the present coinage in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 escudos, followed by 200 escudos coin in 1995.
The 50 Cape Verdean escudos commemorative coin front design features the National Emblem (consists of a circle containing the name of the republic (República de Cabo Verde); inside the circle is a torch and a triangle. There is a plumb bob or plummet at the top of the shield, three chain links, and a pair of a laurel branch on the bottom. The circle is surrounded by ten stars, five on each side and representing the Cape Verde Islands.), the denomination and the issue date separated by emblem. The reverse coin design illustrates the Macelina, an endemic plant of Cape Verde. This coin is part of the 1994 commemorative plants series, its rim is fluted, and its color is silver.
Text: República De Cabo Verde, 50, Escudo, Asteriscus Vogelli (Webb) Walp, Macelina, 1994