500 Cape Verde Escudo Banknote (Jorge Barbosa)

500 Escudos Escudo (Issued 2014)

In 2014, Cabo Verde’s central bank introduced a completely redesigned banknote series that modernised the nation’s currency for the first time in over a decade. This 500 Escudos denomination emerged during a period of economic stabilisation in the island nation, reflecting contemporary design standards and enhanced security protocols. The new series represented a significant visual departure from its predecessors, featuring vibrant colour gradations and refined portrait engraving techniques. Jorge Barbosa, a towering figure in Cape Verdean history as the nation’s first president and cultural icon, became the face of this prominent denomination.

On the front, a striking portrait of Jorge Barbosa dominates the right side of the banknote, rendered in fine engraving with careful attention to facial detail and three-dimensional depth. The background transitions through warm tones, shifting from pale yellow-green on the left through orange and tan hues toward the right edge. The denomination “500 ESCUDOS” appears in large text on the lower left in subdued green lettering, whilst “BANCO DE CABO VERDE” is positioned in the upper left corner in burgundy print. A vertical security strip runs along the left margin with geometric patterns visible in purple and white. The serial number “CL000251” is clearly visible on the right side. Additional text includes signature lines for “O Governador” and “O Administrador,” dated 9 de Julho de 2014, with the name “Jorge Barbosa” printed beneath the portrait. A decorative guilloché pattern with an open book design appears in the background, symbolising education and cultural heritage. Fine diagonal line work and sophisticated colour shifting create depth throughout the composition.

The reverse displays a rich tapestry of Cape Verdean cultural and natural imagery rendered in warm earth tones and soft greens. Poetic text in Portuguese is inscribed across the upper portion, celebrating the nation’s landscape and heritage, with phrases referencing the islands’ history and natural beauty. The denomination “500” appears prominently in the centre, framed by an ornate rectangular border filled with intricate line work depicting traditional vessels and natural elements. A stylised feather or quill design occupies the lower left corner, rendered in white outline. The text “BANCO DE CABO VERDE” appears in the upper right, alongside “500” in green lettering, with “QUINHENTOS ESCUDOS” displayed prominently in the lower right corner in muted olive-green ink. The background employs a carefully coordinated colour gradient from purple on the left transitioning through pale yellow and soft pink tones to green on the right, creating a harmonious visual field. Additional security features include watermarked elements and fine engraved details that are visible throughout the design.

Exchange foreign coins and notes with no fuss: Webuyallcurrency.com accepts this 500 Escudos banknote and other current Cape Verde Escudos banknotes, paying out for everything together in a single transaction.

• Indicate the quantity of 500 Escudos Escudo banknotes you want to exchange
• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button
• Your online account now shows the exchange value

Webuyallcurrency.com is a simple way to exchange or sell foreign coins and banknotes for cash — current or withdrawn — turning your Cape Verde Escudos banknotes and any other leftover currency into one straightforward payout.

Other Cape Verde Escudos you can exchange: 200, 1000, 2000, 5000.