Obverse. Photo © Black Mountain Coins
  • 10 Kwacha 2003, Malawi, Antelopes of Africa, Sable Antelope
  • 10 Kwacha 2003, Malawi, Antelopes of Africa, Sable Antelope
Description

Antelope refers to various species in the Bovidae family found in Africa, India, the Middle East, and parts of Asia and Europe. They are not a monophyletic group, meaning some antelope species are more closely related to other bovids like cattle, goats, and sheep than to other antelopes. "True antelopes" include genera like Gazella, Nanger, Eudorcas, and Antilope.

Though often mistaken for deer, antelopes differ significantly, with deer being only distantly related. Antelopes have permanent horns, unlike deer, whose antlers shed and regrow annually. Antelopes are more common in Africa, while deer dominate regions like Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

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
UNITY AND FREEDOM
20 03
10 KWACHA

Reverse

Depicts two adult sable antelope standing on a plain savannah with the name above and the denomination below.

The sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) is a large antelope found in wooded savannas of East and Southern Africa, from Kenya to South Africa, with a separate population in Angola. It is sexually dimorphic, with males being heavier and taller than females. Males reach up to 140 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 235 kg, while females are slightly smaller. Both sexes have long, curved horns, with males' horns reaching up to 165 cm. Their coat color ranges from chestnut to black, with males darkening as they age. Sable antelopes live up to 19 years in the wild and 22 years in captivity.

SABLE ANTELOPE
10 KWACHA

Edge

10 Kwacha

Republic, Pattern
KM#
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Cupronickel
Weight 29 g
Diameter 38.5 mm
Thickness 2.3 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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