Obverse. Photo © WCN
  • 10 Kwacha 2003, KM# 80, Malawi, Pope John Paul II, Witness to Hope
  • 10 Kwacha 2003, KM# 80, Malawi, Pope John Paul II, Witness to Hope
Description

Pope Saint John Paul II, born Karol Józef Wojtyła (1920–2005), served as Pope from 1978 to 2005. He was one of the most travelled world leaders in history, visiting 129 countries during his pontificate. As part of his special emphasis on the universal call to holiness, he beatified 1,340 people and canonised 483 saints, more than the combined tally of his predecessors during the preceding five centuries. He was the second longest-serving pope in modern history after Pope Pius IX, who served for nearly 32 years.

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms of Malawi dividing the date, country name above 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
20 03
UNITY AND FREEDOM
10 KWACHA

Reverse

Depicts Pope John Paul II smiling, wearing a cassock, and mitre and holding papal ferula, the inscription of occasion above, and His Holiness's name below.

WITNESS TO HOPE
POPE JOHN PAUL II

Edge

10 Kwacha

Republic
KM# 80
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.999
Weight 24 g
Diameter 38.5 mm
Thickness 3.8 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal

Related coins

Republic, Witness to Hope

Pope John Paul II

Silver, 24 g, ⌀ 38.5 mm
Republic, Witness to Hope

Pope John Paul II

Gold Plated Bronze, 24.9 g, ⌀ 38.61 mm