The Portuguese rule, introduced coins in 1930 in denominations of 5, 10, 20  in bronze and 50 centavos and 1 escudo  in nickel-bronze. In 1953, bronze 1 escudo, nickel-bronze 2½ escudos and silver 10 escudos were introduced, followed by bronze 50 centavos and nickel-bronze 5 escudos

In the seventies coins were introduced  in denominations of 20 and 50 centavos in aluminum, 1, 2½,  in nickel-bronze and 10, 20 and 50 escudos.denominations were cupro-nickel. The present coinage was issued in four design series, featuring birds, ships, plants and native animals, brass-plated-steel 1 escudo, copper-plated-steel 5 escudos, nickel-plated-steel 10, 20 and 50 escudos, and bimetallic, decagonal 100 escudos.  A 200 escudos coin was issued  to commemorate 30 years of independence.