Obverse. Photo © Coinsberg.com
  • 5 Kwacha 2006, KM# 167, Malawi, Journey Through Africa, Table Mountain
  • 5 Kwacha 2006, KM# 167, Malawi, Journey Through Africa, Table Mountain
Description

Table Mountain (Khoekhoe: Huriǂoaxa, meaning "sea-emerging") is a flat-topped mountain overlooking Cape Town, South Africa. A prominent landmark and popular tourist destination, it attracts millions of visitors annually who either hike up or take the cableway. The mountain is home to over 8,200 plant species, primarily fynbos, and is part of Table Mountain National Park. It rises about 1,000 meters above the city and offers various challenging hiking routes that require preparation and equipment.

The main feature is the flat plateau, about three kilometers wide, bordered by Devil's Peak and Lion's Head. The highest point is Maclear's Beacon, standing at 1,086 meters above sea level. The plateau is often covered by a "tablecloth" of clouds, a phenomenon caused by moist air rising over the mountain, which local legend attributes to a smoking contest between the Devil and a pirate. To the south lies the "Back Table," extending towards the Cape of Good Hope and featuring rugged terrain like the Twelve Apostles.

Obverse

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

2006
UNITY AND FREEDOM
MALAŴI

Reverse

Depicts an aerial view of Table Mountain flanked by Devil's Peak on the left with multicolored Pacific white-sided dolphins in a high-jumbling action in the ocean, a hot air balloon above the mountain, and a denomination below the dolphin.

The Pacific white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens), also known as the hookfin porpoise, inhabits the cool and temperate waters of the North Pacific Ocean. It is a highly social and active species, often seen in large groups of up to 300 individuals. The dolphin is easily recognizable by its three-toned coloration: dark gray on its back, light gray patches on its sides, and a creamy white underside. Males can reach up to 2.5 meters in length, while females are slightly smaller, and they can live up to 40 years. They feed on fish like hake, anchovies, squid, and herring. This dolphin species is commonly seen bow-riding near boats and is found across the North Pacific, including the Sea of Japan and the Bering Sea, with an estimated population of about one million.

JOURNEY THROUGH AFRICA
5
KWACHA

Edge

5 Kwacha

Republic
KM# 167
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 28.28 g
Diameter 38.61 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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