Wind turbines, a well, a school and a family: on the 2015 250 escudos, Cape Verde sums up forty years of independence not with portraits of heroes but with a picture of everyday progress. The reverse legend says it plainly: «40 ANOS DE DESENVOLVIMENTO», forty years of development.

Each element reads as a chapter of the country’s story: water, always scarce on the dry islands, wind turned into power, schooling and family wellbeing. The obverse carries the denomination and arms above financial symbols, with «BANCO DE CABO VERDE», «40 ANOS» and the dates «1975» and «2015».

The central bank’s name is itself part of the anniversary. Banco de Cabo Verde was created on 29 September 1975, when the government nationalised the local branch of Portugal’s Banco Nacional Ultramarino, present on the islands since 1865. Since 1993 it has acted purely as a central bank.

This bimetallic coin, a copper-nickel centre in a brass ring, was struck in 10,000 pieces, a modest figure for a circulating commemorative. In a Cape Verde date run it continues the line of anniversary 250 escudos after the 2010 and 2013 issues.

Graded UNC: the coin has never circulated, shows no wear and keeps its mint lustre, with only minor handling marks possible. A natural choice for a bimetallic collection or a theme set on energy and modern Africa.

Other coins from the VPcoins catalogue will help you continue a series or start a new collection.