Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 5 Kwacha 2000, KM# 116, Malawi, Wildlife of Africa, Elephant
  • 5 Kwacha 2000, KM# 116, Malawi, Wildlife of Africa, Elephant
Description

The wildlife of Africa is among the most diverse and iconic in the world, featuring a rich variety of species that inhabit its vast landscapes, from savannas and deserts to rainforests and wetlands. Africa is home to the "Big Five" — lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceroses, and buffalo — which are some of the most famous animals associated with the continent. In addition to these, Africa supports a wide array of other wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, hippos, cheetahs, and an incredible assortment of birds, reptiles, and insects. Many of these species thrive in national parks and reserves, such as the Serengeti and Kruger, although they face threats from habitat loss, poaching, and climate change. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect Africa’s unique biodiversity for future generations.

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms of Malawi, country name in Chichewa above and date below.

Malawi's coat of arms is based on Nyasaland's earlier heraldic arms. It features a shield supported by a lion and a leopard, standing on a representation of Mount Mulanje. The shield is divided into three parts: wavy lines symbolizing water, a central stripe with a lion representing strength, and a rising sun, symbolizing hope and new beginnings. Above the shield is a fish eagle in front of a rising sun, symbolizing freedom. The scroll below the shield bears the national motto, "Unity and Freedom," reflecting Malawi's goals of harmony and independence.

REPUBLIC OF MALAŴI
UNITY AND FREEDOM
2000

Reverse

Depicts an African elephant walking across the vast plains, with trees in the background, surrounded by the inscription above and denomination below.

The African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana), also known as the African savanna elephant, is the largest elephant of the animal kingdom. It can weigh from 8,800 to 15,400 pounds, making it the heaviest terrestrial mammal species. On average, males are 3.2 meters (10.5 ft) tall at the shoulder and 6 tons (6.6 short tons) in weight, while females are relatively smaller at 2.6 meters (8.5 ft) tall at the shoulder and 3 tons (3.3 short tons) in weight. Elephants attain their maximum stature when they complete the fusion of long-bone epiphyses, occurring in males around the age of 40 and females around the age of 25. Their large size means that they must consume around 50 gallons of water everyday in order to stay hydrated. These elephants are known for being hunted for their tusks, ears, feet, and meat, so the population of bush elephants in the world have been increasingly declining.

WILDLIFE OF AFRICA
5 KWACHA

Edge

5 Kwacha

Republic
KM# 116 Schön# A55
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Gold
Fineness 0.999
Weight 1.24 g
Diameter 13.92 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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