Coat of arms that separates the value top and bottom, and the date right and left.

The national emblem of Cape Verde contains a circle within which is written the name of the nation in Portuguese; also in this circle are a torch and triangle, symbols of freedom and national unity. The circle is ringed with ten stars, that represent the islands of Cape Verde, and is similar to the symbolism on the flag of Cape Verde. At the top of the shield is a plumbob, a symbol of righteousness; three chain links are at the bottom.

Motor and sail brigantine Madalan was built in 1928 in Italy, it was registered in Cape Verde in 1950; it ran aground and was lost in 1959 at the port of Praia.

The brigantine was a two-masted sailing vessel with a fully square-rigged foremast and at least two sails on the main mast: a square topsail and a gaff sail mainsail (behind the mast). The main mast is the second and taller of the two masts.