Description

Portuguese Angola was a colony of Portugal from 1575 to 1975, located in southern Africa along the Atlantic Ocean. During this period, Angola became a significant source of slaves for the transatlantic slave trade and was rich in natural resources like diamonds and oil. The struggle for independence grew in the mid-20th century, culminating in Angola gaining freedom on November 11, 1975, following the Carnation Revolution in Portugal. However, independence led to a brutal civil war between factions like the MPLA, FNLA, and UNITA, supported by Cold War powers. The war lasted until 2002, but Angola has since made substantial economic progress, with Portuguese remaining its official language and a lasting influence of Portuguese culture and heritage.

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms of Portuguese Angola, 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 Angola depicted a golden elephant above a golden zebra. 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.

ANGOLA
1956

Reverse

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

REPÚBLICA·PORTUGUESA
1
ESCUDO

Edge
Characteristics
Material Bronze
Weight 8 g
Diameter 26 mm
Thickness 2 mm
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Mint
Portuguese Mint and Official Printing Office (INCM)

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