[1] On 8 May 1935, Portugal introduced a new coat of arms for its colonies, including Cape Verde, São Tomé and Principe, and Guinea-Bissau (then Portuguese Guinea).

It featured a large black star, surrounded by a saffron-yellow and green maize wreath and a scallop shell in the centre, also of a saffron/amber colour.

[5] The independent coat of arms, not used on the flag, featured the same saffron-yellow and green maize wreath and a scallop shell in the centre at the bottom, but the star was smaller and complicated with several other features, including a flag poll and something resembling a book.

[6] The equilateral triangle symbolizes unity, equality and people's civil rights recognized by the democratic system.

The palms symbolize victory won in the struggle for national independence, and the stars represent the ten islands that form the archipelago of Cape Verde.