Historic Sierra Leonean leone São Tomé and Príncipe dobra

01/01/2020: New Currency Symbol

A new currency symbol for the dobra, resembling the letters 'STD' with horizontal lines through them, was introduced for official use.

24/05/2018: Dobra Pegged to Euro

The dobra's exchange rate was pegged to the euro, aiming to stabilize the currency and boost economic cooperation with the European Union.

01/01/2016: Introduction of Polymer Banknotes

São Tomé and Príncipe started issuing polymer banknotes as a means to enhance durability and reduce counterfeiting of the dobra.

27/04/2010: Adoption of new currency symbol

Sierra Leone adopts a new currency symbol for the leone (Le), representing its cultural heritage and national identity.

01/01/2010: Currency Redenomination

The third dobra was introduced, with 1 new dobra equalling 1,000 old dobras, aiming to simplify transactions and boost confidence in the currency.

29/07/2003: Introduction of new leone notes

Sierra Leone introduces a new series of leone banknotes with enhanced security features to combat counterfeiting.

01/01/1997: Introduction of the New Dobra

A new currency, the 'second dobra,' was introduced at a rate of 1,000 to 1 to combat hyperinflation and stabilize the economy.

22/02/1996: Civil war ends

The Sierra Leonean Civil War comes to an end, providing an opportunity for economic stabilization and currency reform.

29/04/1980: Coup d'etat

A military coup takes place in Sierra Leone, leading to economic instability and a decline in the value of the leone.

24/12/1979: First Currency Devaluation

The first devaluation of the dobra occurred, reducing its value by 53% as a result of economic instability and inflation.

30/06/1977: Introduction of the Dobra

The São Tomé and Príncipe dobra was introduced as the official currency of the country after gaining independence from Portugal.

15/07/1974: Redenomination of the leone

Sierra Leone redenominates its currency, replacing the old leone with a new leone at a ratio of 1:4.

04/11/1971: Introduction of decimal currency

Sierra Leone adopts a decimal currency system, replacing the pound with the leone as its new official currency.

27/04/1961: Independence of Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone gains independence from the United Kingdom, introducing the Sierra Leonean leone as its official currency.