04/05/2020: COVID-19 impact on currency
The outbreak of COVID-19 and its economic consequences led to a depreciation of the Cape Verdean escudo against major international currencies due to reduced tourism and economic activity.
30/09/2017: New escudo banknotes issued
Cape Verde introduced a new series of banknotes for the escudo, featuring enhanced security features, updated designs, and improved durability.
31/12/2014: End of the peg to the euro
Cape Verde decided to abandon the peg to the euro, shifting to a managed float exchange rate system to allow the currency to fluctuate based on market forces.
31/12/2011: Replacement of 1 Lek coin
The 1 lek coin was demonetized and replaced by a banknote. The decision was made due to the high cost of producing the coin.
01/01/2005: Decimalization of the escudo
The Cape Verdean escudo underwent a decimalization process, with the subdivision of 1 escudo into 100 centavos.
08/02/2000: Introduction of new banknotes and coins
A new series of banknotes and coins were introduced, featuring enhanced security features and updated designs.
01/01/1998: Currency pegged to the euro
The Cape Verdean escudo was pegged to the euro at a fixed exchange rate of 1 euro = 110.265 CVE, ensuring stability and facilitating trade.
02/03/1997: Collapse of pyramid schemes
The collapse of pyramid schemes in Albania caused a severe economic crisis, resulting in hyperinflation and a significant devaluation of the lek.
26/06/1992: Transition to a market economy
Albania transitioned to a market economy, leading to a significant depreciation of the lek. The exchange rate changed to 1 lek = 9.3 old lek.
17/11/1977: Introduction of the new escudo
A new version of the Cape Verdean escudo was introduced, replacing the previous version with a new design and updated security features.
05/07/1975: Independence of Cape Verde
The Cape Verdean escudo (CVE) was officially adopted as the currency of Cape Verde upon gaining independence from Portugal.
01/10/1965: Introduction of the new lek
A new series of banknotes and coins were introduced, marking the transition to the new lek. The exchange rate was set at 1 new lek = 10 old lek.
22/12/1947: Albania becomes a communist state
Following the establishment of a communist regime in Albania, the currency underwent a major devaluation, with the exchange rate changing to 1 lek = 12.5 old lek.
01/09/1926: Introduction of the Albanian lek
The lek was introduced as the official currency of Albania, replacing the previous currency, the Turkish lira. The exchange rate was set at 1 lek = 35 Turkish lira.