Malawi 20 Kwacha 1999

History

20 Kwacha 1999, KM# 31, Malawi, Third Millennium

Obverse. Image Courtesy of Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS.com)

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	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 1999
Reverse	Tree, flower, plant etc. Corn (maize), Vine 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	Reeded (milled)