On 21 August 2026, the Central Bank of São Tomé and Príncipe released a new 50 Dobras polymer commemorative banknote into circulation to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the nation’s independence. The note was designed and printed by Authentix at its Royal Joh. Enschedé (RJE) facility in the Netherlands.
Featuring a green and gold theme, the note brings together several national symbols. The front shows the Peregrine Falcon, the African Grey Parrot, tropical vegetation, and a portrait of national hero Rei Amador. The reverse depicts Ilhéu das Rolas and the Marco do Equador monument, marking the country’s position on the Equator. Together, the two sides tell a story of the country’s biodiversity, history, and culture. The banknote combines multiple layers of security, including tactile intaglio printing, a green-gold optically variable feature, and unique serial numbering. Together, these elements support ease of authentication, strengthen protection against counterfeiting, and contribute to the integrity of the banknote.
Utilising PolySecure® a new polymer substrate developed by Q&T of Vietnam, incorporating a transparent window featuring an iridescent image of a coffee bean, reflecting one of the country’s most important exports while serving as a public security feature.
With a heritage spanning over three centuries, Authentix combines traditional craftsmanship with advanced security technologies to create banknotes that are both visually distinctive and resilient against counterfeiting. Since 1703, its RJE facility has been world-renowned for banknote and stamp production. This banknote represents an important milestone in Authentix’s continued development of innovative banknote production capabilities, combining advanced printing techniques with new substrate and numbering technologies. It also represents an exciting development that signals further expansion and return into the high security printing business using novel techniques and innovative partnerships.
Issuer: Central Bank of São Tomé and Príncipe
Occasion: 50th anniversary of independence (1975–2025)
Issue date: 21 August 2026
Denomination: 50 Dobras
Printer: Royal Joh. Enschedé (Authentix)
Substrate: PolySecure®, Polymer substrate by Q&T Polymer
Security features: Transparent window with iridescent coffee bean, Optically Variable Ink (OVI), digital numbering
Printing processes: Offset, Intaglio, Screen printing, Numbering and Varnish
As a trusted partner to central banks, Authentix continues to be a leading technology developer, integrator and banknote security solution provider in today’s complex and rapidly changing currency markets. Our Level 1-3 banknote solutions secure 80+ denominations and we have delivered 1,100+ central bank high-speed sensors for banknote authentication and fitness. Through close collaboration with its customers, Authentix supports the full lifecycle of currency, from design and development to production – ensuring trust, durability, and public confidence in every note. If you would like to learn more about our banknote printing, banknote security features or currency services, please contact us or visit us in person at Intergraf 2026 in booth #101.