Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 5 Kwacha 2005, KM# 55, Malawi, Chinese Zodiac, Pig
  • 5 Kwacha 2005, KM# 55, Malawi, Chinese Zodiac, Pig
Description

The Chinese zodiac is a traditional classification scheme based on the Chinese calendar that assigns an animal and its reputed attributes to each year in a repeating twelve-year cycle. In traditional Chinese culture, the Chinese zodiac is a very important symbol and symbol. It represents the Chinese people's understanding and perception of time, history and life, and reflects the Chinese people's reflection and exploration on the fate of nature, the universe and mankind. Originating from China, the zodiac and its variations remain popular in many East Asian and Southeast Asian countries, such as Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Nepal, Bhutan, Cambodia, and Thailand.

Obverse

Depicts a third crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the George IV State Diadem, Zambia emblem dividing year of issue, country name and denomination.

The George IV State Diadem, also known as the Diamond Diadem, was created in 1820 for King George IV. It is traditionally worn by queens and queens' consort during coronation processions and State Openings of Parliament. This iconic piece has appeared in paintings, on stamps, and currency, and is displayed in the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace.

The coat of arms of Zambia, adopted on 24 October 1964 upon independence, is adapted from the arms of Northern Rhodesia. It features an African fish eagle symbolizing freedom and hope, a pick and hoe representing agriculture and mining, and a shield depicting Victoria Falls, symbolizing the Zambezi River. The shield is supported by figures representing the nation's people, and the motto, "One Zambia, One Nation," underscores unity. The black and white wavy lines on the shield were also present in the arms of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland.

Engraver: Raphael David Maklouf

ELIZABETH II
2005 MALAWI 5 KWACHA

Reverse

Depicts a multicolored stylized pig decorated with flowers, stylized two big flower above it within a circle surrounded by floral ornaments.

The Pig (豬) or sometimes translated as the Boar is the twelfth of the 12-year cycle of animals that appear in Chinese zodiac, in relation to the Chinese calendar and system of horology, and paralleling the system of ten Heavenly Stems and twelve Earthly Branches. Although the term "zodiac" (etymologically referring to a "[circle of] little animals") is used in the phrase "Chinese zodiac", there is a major difference between the Chinese usage and Western astrology: the zodiacal animals (including the zodiacal Pig) do not relate to the zodiac as the area of the sky that extends approximately 8° north or south (as measured in celestial latitude) of the ecliptic, the apparent path of the Sun, the Moon, and visible planets across the celestial sphere's constellations, over the course of the year.

Edge

5 Kwacha

Republic
KM# 55
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver Plated Cupronickel
Weight 22 g
Diameter 40 mm
Thickness 3 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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