Angola and Angolan Coins

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Obverse of 1770 Angola 6 Macutas

Obverse of 1770 Angola 6 Macutas

Angolan Independence
In the aftermath of World War II, most overseas colonies of the various European Empires began to move towards independence. Although most African countries were decolonised relatively peacefully (with some notable exceptions), Portugal under the Estado Novo regime was determined to hold on to its colonies at all costs, and fought a series of brutal wars throughout its Empire to supress independence movements in its colonies, including Angola. The War for Independence in Angola raged from 1961 until 1975, when the change of Government in Portugal following the Carnation Revolution prompted a withdrawal from most of its colonies and the granting of their independence.

Civil War
However, following independence, a civil war broke out between the factions that had fought against the Portugese. This civil war was fought between the MPLA, (which was backed by the Soviets) and FLNA/UNITA (who were backed by the US and its allies). The MPLA gained the upper hand, and controlled most of the country, but the civil war lasted until 2002, when UNITA’s leader Jonas Savimbi was assassinated. Following the assassination of Savambi, both the FLNA and UNITA gave up armed violence and evolved into political parties.

Angolan Coins
In 1977, two years after independence, the Angolan Escudo was replaced by the Angolan Kwanza at par. The Kwanza was subdivided into 100 lwei (Although the 10 Lwei was the lowest denomination of coin issued, in addition to 20, 50 Lwei as well as 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 Kwanza).

Political instability and the on-going Civil War in Angola led to rocketing inflation. Coin production ceased in 1979 and the original Kwanza was replaced with the Kwanza Novo in 1990. Money in this currency was issued in banknote form only. No coins were struck again until 1999, when the ‘Second’ Kwanza was introduced. This Kwanza is divided into 100 Centimos, and is struck in denominations of 10 and 50 Centimos, in addition to 1, 2 and 5 Kwanza.

For Sale and Wanted
If you are interested in coins from Angola please see our product index:-
Angolan Coins

Gold Coins
We also have gold coins from Angola on our taxfreegold website:-
Angolan Gold Coins