100 Peso #237

Front

Domingos Ramos (1935–1966), Guinea-Bissau nationalist leader and independence fighter who served as a military commander in the PAIGC (African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde) during the independence war against Portuguese colonial rule. He died in combat and is honored as a national hero. The note features his portrait at right, with traditional textile patterns, the national coat of arms showing a black star above a flaming torch and shell, a carved wooden statue, and a stylized palm motif.

Back

The Banco Central da Guiné-Bissau building in Bissau, the headquarters of the nation's central bank. The modernist multi-story structure is shown in architectural elevation with decorative serpent motifs and traditional patterns flanking the building. The design reflects the post-independence nation-building era and the establishment of independent monetary institutions.

History

The 1990 Issue of Guinea-Bissau pesos was part of the currency system that circulated from independence until 1997, when Guinea-Bissau joined the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) and adopted the West African CFA franc. The 100 pesos note dated 1 de Março de 1990 (March 1, 1990) was printed by Thomas de la Rue. The design honors figures from the independence struggle against Portugal (1963–1974) and reflects the socialist-influenced aesthetics of the PAIGC government. The currency was demonetized on May 2, 1997, at an exchange rate of 65 pesos to 1 CFA franc.