Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 10 Centavos 1962, KM# 15, Sao Tome and Principe
  • 10 Centavos 1962, KM# 15, Sao Tome and Principe
Description

São Tomé and Príncipe, a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea off the west coast of Central Africa, was uninhabited until it was discovered by Portuguese explorers in the late 15th century. Colonized by Portugal in the early 1500s, the islands became important centers for sugar production using enslaved African labor, and later played a role in the Atlantic slave trade. Over time, cocoa and coffee plantations dominated the economy, earning São Tomé the nickname "the chocolate islands." Portuguese rule persisted with little development for the local population, leading to growing dissatisfaction and eventual nationalist movements. After years of political pressure and the weakening of the Portuguese regime following the Carnation Revolution, São Tomé and Príncipe achieved independence on July 12, 1975, emerging as one of Africa's smallest and most peaceful countries.

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms of São Tomé and Príncipe, encircled by the colony's name in Portuguese at the top, and the date positioned below.

The coats of arms of the Portuguese colonies were introduced in 1935. All arms were of the same model: divided vertically in such a way that two sub-shields are formed. The dexter was white with five small blue shields each bearing five white discs (i.e. Cinco Quinas, Five Quinas representing the motherland). The sinister represented the colony. The colonial sub-shields for São Tomé and Príncipe depicted a mill-wheel with drops of water flying off. This was the personal symbol of king Alphonso V (1438-81), during whose reign the islands were discovered. In the base green and white waves to indicate the overseas location. To complete the badge, the arms were set upon a golden armillary sphere with a golden mural crown. The crown had 5 apparent towers in each tower charged an armillary sphere and in each space between towers charged Christ’s cross.

S. TOMÉ·E·PRÍNCIPE
1962

Reverse

Depicts the denomination in the centre surrounded by the country name.

REPÚBLICA • PORTUGUESA
10
CENTAVOS

Edge

10 Centavos

Portuguese Overseas Province
KM# 15 Schön# 15
Characteristics
Material Bronze
Weight 1.9 g
Diameter 16 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Mint
Casa da Moeda de Lisboa

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