Description

Portuguese Mozambique, also known as Portuguese East Africa, was a colony of Portugal from the early 16th century until it gained independence in 1975. Initially established through a network of trading posts and forts along the Indian Ocean coast, Mozambique became an important link in Portugal’s maritime empire, connecting Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. Over centuries, Portuguese control gradually expanded inland, often through private chartered companies and military campaigns. Colonial rule was marked by forced labor, racial segregation, and economic exploitation, primarily benefitting Portuguese settlers and companies. In the mid-20th century, growing nationalist movements, particularly the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO), launched an armed struggle against Portuguese authorities. After years of conflict and the political upheaval of Portugal’s Carnation Revolution in 1974, Mozambique achieved independence on June 25, 1975, entering a new and often turbulent chapter in its history.

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms (1935-1951), name of country above, date 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-shield for Mozambique depicted a bundle of seven golden arrows, points downwards and tied together with a ribbon, symbolizing Saint Sebastian, who was martyred by arrows. This emblem was chosen because the first capital of the Portuguese possessions in Eastern Africa was São Sebastião de Moçambique, named after King Sebastião (1557–1578). At the base, green and white wavy lines represented Mozambique’s coastal and overseas nature. To complete the badge, the shield was set upon a golden armillary sphere, itself topped by a golden mural crown with five visible towers, each tower bearing an armillary sphere and each space between towers displaying a cross of Christ.

COLONIA • DE • MOÇAMBIQUE
• 1950 •

Reverse

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

REPÚBLICA • PORTUGUESA
20
CENTAVOS

Edge
Characteristics
Material Bronze
Weight 2.9 g
Diameter 20.3 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Coin

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