The São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra, introduced in 1977, was a fascinating example of currency evolution in an island economy. Before 1977, São Tomé and Príncipe used the Portuguese Escudo due to its colonial ties with Portugal. The Dobra was named after an ancient gold coin, the “dobrão,” reflecting the nation’s desire for monetary independence and cultural identity.

In 2018, a significant monetary reform took place, redenominating the Dobra at a rate of 1:1000, to tackle inflation and stabilize the economy. This move was also part of a broader agreement to peg the currency against the Euro, in efforts to promote economic stability and growth. Historical currencies like the pre-2018 Dobra symbolize not just the financial transactions of a time but also the broader socio-economic transformations of nations.