Description

The Big Five is a term coined by big-game hunters to describe the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot, although it’s also widely used by tourist/wildlife guides. Comprised of the African lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, African leopard, and Rhinoceros, all members can only be found in certain countries (Botswana, Zambia, Uganda, Namibia, Ethiopia, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Malawi).

Obverse

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
2004

Reverse

Depicts two rhinoceros on a heliotrope insert walking across a grassy plain within a circle surrounded by the series title "Big Five" above and denomination below.

A rhinoceros, often shortened to rhino, is a creature belonging to any of the five existing species (as well as various extinct ones) of odd-toed ungulates in the Rhinocerotidae family. The term can also encompass extinct species within the Rhinocerotoidea superfamily. Its name originates from the Ancient Greek words ῥινόκερως (rhinókerōs), which means 'nose-horned,' stemming from ῥίς (rhis) for 'nose,' and κέρας (kéras) for 'horn.' Among the extant species, two are native to Africa, while three are found in South and Southeast Asia.

THE BIG FIVE
20 KWACHA

Edge

20 Kwacha

Republic
KM# 70
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.999
Weight 31.1 g
Diameter 38.6 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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