Cape Verde 20 Centavos

Despite the myths of hidden treasures, the most intriguing fact about the Cape Verde 20 centavos coin is that it was minted in Lisbon using bronze alloys adapted from pre-war standards, a practical response to material shortages during World War I.

These coins, issued between 1917 and 1920, bore the Portuguese republican coat of arms on the obverse and the denomination on the reverse. They circulated in a colony where trade winds carried not just ships, but a mix of currencies from neighboring regions. We know the exact minting dates, but records of total production are spotty—likely destroyed in later archival mishaps.

The design was straightforward, reflecting Portugal's push for colonial uniformity. No frills, just function.

Some numismatists quip it's the coin that never left home, staying close to its Portuguese roots.

In essence, it's a modest piece of everyday history.