Banknote Billet Saint Thomas and Prince 50 dobras 2025

The 50 Dobras banknote issued by São Tomé and Príncipe in 2025 commemorates the 50th anniversary of independence of this island archipelago in central Africa, achieved on 12 July 1975. This is a commemorative issue marking half a century of existence as a sovereign state, following centuries of Portuguese colonisation.

This banknote is made of polymer, a synthetic plastic-type material that differs from the traditional cotton paper used in classic banknote production. The use of polymer gives the note enhanced resistance to wear, moisture and repeated handling, while allowing the integration of transparent windows and advanced security features characteristic of this type of substrate. This technology, originally developed in Australia, is now adopted by many countries for their commemorative or circulating issues.

The face value of this banknote is 50 dobras, the official currency unit of São Tomé and Príncipe. The dobra was introduced at the country's independence in 1975, replacing the São Toméan escudo that had been in use under Portuguese colonial administration. The Central Bank of São Tomé and Príncipe is the issuing institution responsible for this national currency.

São Tomé and Príncipe is a small island state located in the Gulf of Guinea, whose monetary history remains closely tied to the major milestones of its political and economic development. The commemorative issues of this country, often produced in limited quantities, are of particular interest to collectors specialising in African numismatics or polymer banknotes.