Obverse. Photo © Rzeszowski Dom Aukcyjny
  • 10 Kwacha 2002, KM# Pn4, Malawi, Third Millennium, Mona Lisa
  • 10 Kwacha 2002, KM# Pn4, Malawi, Third Millennium, Mona Lisa
Description

A millennium is a period of 1,000 years, often used for periods beginning at a calendar's start point or multiples of a thousand years after. The term, derived from Latin "mille" (thousand) and "annus" (year), can also refer to any thousand-year interval. Leading up to the year 2000, there was debate over when the new millennium truly began—whether with the year 2000 or 2001. While some argued for the latter, based on the absence of a year 0, popular culture favored celebrating with the turn from 1999 to 2000, driven by the "odometer effect" and media interest.

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms of Malawi, country name above and date 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
2002

Reverse

Depicts the Mona Lisa, the inscription of the occasion above and the denomination below.

The Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo da Vinci, is a half-length portrait renowned as a quintessential masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance. It is famous for the subject’s mysterious expression, the grandeur of the composition, and its atmospheric illusionism. The painting is traditionally believed to depict Lisa del Giocondo, an Italian noblewoman, and was created between 1503 and 1517. Acquired by King Francis I of France, it has been displayed at the Louvre since 1797. Its global fame surged following its 1911 theft, and it is now considered one of the world's most valuable artworks, holding the Guinness World Record for the highest painting insurance valuation.

MILLENNIUM 2000
10 KWACHA

Edge

10 Kwacha

Republic, Pattern
KM# Pn4
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Cupronickel
Weight 29.02 g
Diameter 38.5 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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