Obverse. Photo © Tauler&Fau
  • 20 Kwacha 1997, KM# 36, Malawi, The Queen Mother in the Girl Guides
  • 20 Kwacha 1997, KM# 36, Malawi, The Queen Mother in the Girl Guides
Description

The Girl Guides, known as such in the UK, began in England in 1909 when a determined group of girls “stormed into a Scout rally” and urged founder Robert Baden-Powell to establish a sister organization, according to The Guardian. The royal family quickly became enthusiastic supporters, particularly Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, the Queen Mother, and her sister Mary, who became President of the Girl Guide Association in 1920. Both sisters visited Girl Guide groups throughout London, and when Elizabeth had two daughters, she wanted them to experience as normal a childhood as possible. In 1937, Princess Mary enrolled 11-year-old Princess Elizabeth in the Girl Guides, while her younger sister, Margaret, joined as a Brownie. Their mother also became involved, serving as the Patron of the Girl Guides.

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms of Malawi, date below and country name in Chichewa above.

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
1997

Reverse

Depicts Princesses Elizabeth in a Girl Guide uniform in front of two girls carrying a bucket of water with a fire in a camp all wearing the uniform (Brownies), inscription above and date of becoming the Girl Guides below within a beaded circle enclosed by the Queen Mother name above and the denomination below.

Brownies wore a short-sleeve belted dress with pockets over a long-sleeve white shirt. Their chest was covered by a large, white bib with a brown border, where they would pin their Promise Badge. Instead of a tam, Brownies adopted a brimmed rush hat, (a hat woven from rushes), with a brown ribbon.

Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (1900–2002) was Queen of the United Kingdom from 1936 to 1952 as the wife of King George VI, and the last Empress of India until 1947. After her husband's death, she was known as Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.

Born into British nobility, she married Prince Albert, Duke of York, in 1923. With his unexpected ascension to the throne in 1936, Elizabeth became queen consort. During WWII, her steadfast spirit supported the British public. After King George VI's death, her daughter became queen, and Elizabeth became the family matriarch. She remained a beloved public figure, active until shortly before her death at 101.

QUEEN ELIZABETH THE QUEEN MOTHER
THE YOUNG GIRL GUIDE ELIZABETH
1920
20 KWACHA

Edge

20 Kwacha

Republic

The Queen Mother in the Girl Guides

KM# 36
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 31.72 g
Diameter 38.6 mm
Thickness 3 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Swissmint

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