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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
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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. S. TOMÉ·E·PRÍNCIPE |
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Reverse
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Depicts the denomination in the centre surrounded by the country name. REPÚBLICA • PORTUGUESA |
Edge |
10 Centavos
Portuguese Overseas Province
KM# 15 Schön# 15
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