Obverse. Image Courtesy of Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS.com)
  • 20 Kwacha 1999, KM# 31, Malawi, Third Millennium
  • 20 Kwacha 1999, KM# 31, Malawi, Third Millennium
Description

A millennium is a period of 1,000 years, often used for periods beginning at a calendar's start point or multiples of a thousand years after. The term, derived from Latin "mille" (thousand) and "annus" (year), can also refer to any thousand-year interval. Leading up to the year 2000, there was debate over when the new millennium truly began—whether with the year 2000 or 2001. While some argued for the latter, based on the absence of a year 0, popular culture favored celebrating with the turn from 1999 to 2000, driven by the "odometer effect" and media interest.

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
1999

Reverse

Depicts the inscription of occasion with a half eight-pointed star above it within a hexagonal shape surrounded by ears of corn within vines above, mirrored seated figures below trees and denomination below.

Engraver: David Cornell

MILLENNIUM
2000
20 KWACHA

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 31.53 g
Diameter -
Thickness 3.67 mm
Shape polygon
Sides 6
Alignment Medal

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