Malawi 20 Kwacha 1996

History

20 Kwacha 1996, KM# 35, Malawi, Endangered Wildlife, Elephant

Obverse. Photo © Numismatic Guaranty Company

Description

The African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana), also called the African savanna elephant, is the largest land animal, with males reaching up to 3.96 meters in height and weighing up to 10.4 tonnes. It is found across 37 African countries, inhabiting forests, grasslands, and wetlands. Listed as endangered since 2021, the species faces threats from habitat destruction and poaching for ivory. African bush elephants are herbivores and highly social, with females and their offspring forming herds while males live alone or in small groups. They have a long gestation period of 22 months, the longest of any mammal.

Obverse	Animal (fish, bird, mammal etc.) Lion, Leopard Coat of arms Malawi Depicts the coat of arms of Malawi, country name in Chichewa 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 MALAŴI UNITY AND FREEDOM 1996
Reverse	Animal (fish, bird, mammal etc.) Elephant Depicts three African bush elephants, a mother and its calf walking side by side across the swamp and the other calf in front of them surrounded by the inscription above and denomination below. ENDANGERED WILDLIFE 20 KWACHA
Edge	Reeded (milled)