Here's another entry in my "US History Commemorative Coin by Another Country" collection: the 2018 US-Cape Verde Historic Ties and Friendship Bicentennial 200 Escudos.
I previously posted about a coin issued by Morocco that has a similar theme. You can check it out here:
1987 United States - Morocco Friendship Treaty 200thFrom the US Department of State web site:
"The United States and Cabo Verde have strong historical roots dating to 18th century whaling routes. "
...
"The first U.S. consulate in sub-Saharan Africa opened in what is now Cabo Verde in 1818, and the United States established diplomatic relations with Cabo Verde in 1975, following its independence from Portugal. Cabo Verde is one of Africa's success stories and an important U.S. partner in West Africa."
To mark the 200th anniversary of the first US consulate in Cape Verde / Cabo Verde and the long-lasting friendship between it and the US, the African nation issued a bimetallic (copper-nickel center, outer brass ring) 200 Escudos circulating commemorative coin and a silver coin for collectors. Though dated "2018", the coins were not issued until 2019.
Note: At the time of the coin's issue, 200 Escudos converted to approximately $2.10 USD.A common design is shared by the circulating bi-metallic coin and the silver collector coin. The obverse presents a side-by-side partial view of the Cape Verde flag and the US flag (hoist end to hoist end). The denomination - 200 Escudos - is found above the flags in the central field. Along the rim at left is the inscription "200 YEARS OF HISTORIC TIES AND FRIENDSHIP". Along the right rim is a pattern from a traditional pánu di tera or Cape Verdean woven cotton cloth; the cloth is considered a national symbol of the African nation.
On the reverse is an interesting overlapping design presenting outline maps of the continental United States and the Cape Verde islands (not to scale) with radiant lines emenating from lower left. Encircling at the top rim is the inscription "200 ANOS DE LACOS HISTORICOS E DE AMIZADE" or, in English, "200 YEARS OF HISTORICAL TIES AND FRIENDSHIP". At the bottom rim, the anniversary dates "1818-2018", are flanked by palm leaves and the 10 stars of the Cape Verde Coat-of-Arms; the stars represent the ten islands of Cape Verde.
The collector coin is 28.4 mm in diameter and has a weight of 10.0 grams; it is struck on a 0.925 fine silver planchet (i.e., sterling silver). The coin was struck by the British
Royal Mint; just 1,000 were struck. The coin is packaged in a black leather clamshell case stored within a white cardboard sleeve.
2018 Cabo Verde/Cape Verde - United States 200 Escudos Friendship Coin
2018 Cabo Verde/Cape Verde - United States 200 Escudos Friendship Coin - Front Panel of COA
2018 Cabo Verde/Cape Verde - United States 200 Escudos Friendship Coin - Outer Sleeve
This one has been on my radar for several years, I'm glad I was finally able to acquire one with all of its original packaging.
For more of my stories about commemorative coins and medals, including more on the modern US commemorative coin series, see:
Commems Collection.
Posted 08/13/2024 1:56 pm
