Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 10 Kwacha 1974, KM# 13, Malawi, 10th Anniversary of Independence
  • 10 Kwacha 1974, KM# 13, Malawi, 10th Anniversary of Independence
Description

On 6 July 1964, Nyasaland gained independence from British rule and was renamed Malawi, with Elizabeth II as the Queen. In 1966, a new constitution established Malawi as a republic, with Prime Minister Hastings Banda becoming its first president. According to the 1966, 1994, and 1995 constitutions, the president serves as the executive head of state and government for a five-year term. Banda, the first president, was initially elected by the National Assembly and declared president for life in 1971, while subsequent presidents have been elected by popular vote.

Obverse

Depicts a portrait of Hastings Banda right, surrounded by his name above in Chichewa meaning "HERO DR.H.KAMUZUBANDA·LIFE PRESIDENT" and country name in the banner below.

Hastings Kamuzu Banda (c. 1898 – 1997) was the leader of Malawi from 1964 to 1994, serving as Prime Minister and then its first president when the country became a republic in 1966. Educated abroad in fields like medicine and history, Banda returned to Malawi to advocate for independence from British colonial rule. He declared Malawi a one-party state under the Malawi Congress Party, and in 1971, became its President for Life. Despite modernizing infrastructure and education, Banda's rule was marked by severe repression, human rights abuses, and political killings. Under pressure, he agreed to end the one-party system in 1993 and lost the 1994 election.

Engraver: Paul Vincze

NGWAZI DR.H.KAMUZU BANDA·LIFE PRESIDENT
MALAWI

Reverse

Depicts digit 10 in the middle of the map of Malawi conjugated with the date of independence surrounded by the broken chain as freedom from occupation, the coat of arms of Malawi above, dividing the inscription of the event, denomination in English letters and date of issuer 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.

10TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE
UNITY AND FREEDOM
6th July 1964
1974 TEN KWACHA

Edge

10 Kwacha

10th Anniversary of Independence

KM# 13 Schön# 13
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 28.28 g
Diameter 38.7 mm
Thickness 2.8 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

Related coins

Republic, Antelope

Conservation

Silver, 35 g, ⌀ 42 mm

20th Anniversary of the Reserve Bank of Malawi

Silver, 28.28 g, ⌀ 38.5 mm