Obverse. Photo © The Coinhouse Auctions
  • 5 Kwacha 2005, KM# 59, Malawi, 60th Anniversary of WWII Victory, USS Coral Sea
  • 5 Kwacha 2005, KM# 59, Malawi, 60th Anniversary of WWII Victory, USS Coral Sea
Description

One of the most important days in both British and European history, VE Day (Victory in Europe), celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2005.

Victory in Europe Day, generally known as V-E Day, VE Day or simply V Day, was the public holiday celebrated on 8 May 1945 to mark the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender of its armed forces. It thus marked the end of World War II in Europe.

The term VE Day existed as early as September 1944, in anticipation of victory. On 30 April 1945, Adolf Hitler, the Nazi leader, committed suicide during the Battle of Berlin. Germany's surrender, therefore, was authorised by his successor, Reichspräsident Karl Dönitz. The administration headed by Dönitz was known as the Flensburg Government. The act of military surrender was signed on 7 May in Reims, France and on 8 May in Berlin, Germany.

The former Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc countries have historically celebrated the end of World War II on 9 May.

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms of Malawi dividing the country name, date and denomination.

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.

MALAWI 5
2005 KWACHA
UNITY AND FREEDOM

Reverse

Depicts the USS Coral Sea, starboard side carrying more jets over her deck and three protecting her with the inscription of the occasion, date, and her name above. The term VE is at the left corner with three flags of USA, UK and USSR.

USS Coral Sea (CV/CVB/CVA-43), a Midway-class aircraft carrier, was the third vessel in the United States Navy to be named after the Battle of the Coral Sea. Known affectionately as the "Ageless Warrior" for her long service, the ship was originally classified as an aircraft carrier with the hull classification symbol CV-43. The contract for her construction was awarded to Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Virginia, on June 14, 1943. She was reclassified as a "Large Aircraft Carrier" with the hull symbol CVB-43 on July 15, 1943. Her keel was laid down on July 10, 1944, at Shipway 10, and she was launched on April 2, 1946, with Mrs. Thomas C. Kinkaid serving as sponsor. The Coral Sea was commissioned on October 1, 1947, with Captain A.P. Storrs III commanding.

VE
60th ANNIVERSARY OF VICTORY IN EUROPE DAY
1945-2005 USS Coral Sea

Edge

5 Kwacha

Republic
KM# 59 Schön# 91.3
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Gold Plated Brass
Weight 23.9 g
Diameter -
Width 45.2 mm
Height 27.5 mm
Thickness 2.7 mm
Shape rectangular
Alignment Medal

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