Malawi 5 Kwacha 2009

History

5 Kwacha 2009, KM# 199, Malawi, Battleships of World War II, Gneisenau

Obverse. Photo © Ibercoin

Description

This series of colored coins features battleships from World War II. All displacements are presented in metric tonnes at standard load, providing an accurate comparison of their sizes. The displacements are based on their status either at the end of the war or when the ship was sunk. Battleships, the capital ships of the early 20th century, played a crucial role in naval warfare at the start of the war. Many were holdovers from the earlier dreadnought era, and fleets of these heavily armored vessels were considered decisive in combat. Notably, there were two battleship engagements in the Pacific theater and three in the Atlantic. Despite their formidable protection, 16 battleships were either sunk or disabled by aircraft-delivered bombs or torpedoes, while an additional three were lost to submarine-launched torpedoes.

Obverse	Animal (fish, bird, mammal etc.) Lion, Leopard Coat of arms Malawi Depicts the coat of arms of Malawi, country name in Chichewa above, date and denomination 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 MALAWI UNITY AND FREEDOM 2009 5 KWACHA
Reverse	Colorised Navy (ship, submarine etc.) Battleship Depicts the multicolored battleship Gneisenau at the sea firing from her guns within a circle surrounded by the inscription of the series and her name below. Gneisenau was a German capital ship in Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine, often classified as both a battleship and battlecruiser. Laid down in 1935 and launched in 1936, she was armed with nine 28 cm guns and served alongside her sister ship, Scharnhorst, in several key World War II operations, including the sinking of HMS Rawalpindi and HMS Glorious. After sustaining damage during battles and bombing raids, she underwent repairs and modifications, but in 1943, work on her ceased following a stop-order from Hitler. Ultimately, Gneisenau was scuttled as a blockship in 1945 and later scrapped in 1951. BATTLESHIPS OF WORLD WAR II THE GNEISENAU
Edge	Reeded (milled)