Malawi 10 Kwacha 2004

History

10 Kwacha 2004, KM# 61, Malawi, Endangered Wildlife, Leopard

Obverse. Photo © Black Mountain Coins

Description

After extensive study comparing Africa to other regions, it remains the only continent rich in untapped resources and artifacts. Despite this, Africa is often disrespected and undervalued by other nations, leading to the misconception of it as a continent of limitations.

The leopard (Panthera pardus), one of the five species in the Panthera genus, has a pale yellow to dark golden fur with distinctive dark rosettes. It is a muscular, slender animal, with males weighing 30.9–72 kg and females 20.5–43 kg, reaching up to 183 cm in length. First described in 1758, the species evolved in Africa during the Early Pleistocene before spreading into Eurasia. Leopards adapt to diverse habitats, from rainforests to arid regions, and are opportunistic predators that hunt ungulates and primates. They are solitary except during mating and cub-rearing, with females giving birth to 2–4 cubs every 15–24 months. Classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, leopards face threats from habitat loss and fragmentation, despite their significant cultural impact throughout history.

Obverse	Animal (fish, bird, mammal etc.) Lion, Leopard Coat of arms Malawi Depicts the coat of arms of Malawi dividing 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 04 UNITY AND FREEDOM 10 KWACHA
Reverse	Colorised Animal (fish, bird, mammal etc.) Leopard Geography & astronomy Map Depicts a multicolored leopard perched on grasses facing three-quarters left within a rectangular shape dividing small two maps of Africa on both sides surrounded by two inscriptions of series. The African leopard (Panthera pardus pardus) is the recognized subspecies of leopards native to numerous African countries. It exhibits a widespread distribution across most of sub-Saharan Africa, although habitat conversion has led to fragmentation in its historical range. Additionally, leopards have been documented in North Africa. MOTHER NATURE OF AFRICA ENDANGERED WILDLIFE
Edge	Reeded (milled)