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 an elephant family on a heliotrope inserting a mother, father and two calves walking side by side across the grassy plain, trees in the background within a circle surrounded by the series title "Big Five" above and denomination below.

The African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana), also known as the African savanna elephant, is the largest elephant of the animal kingdom. It can weigh from 8,800 to 15,400 pounds, making it the heaviest terrestrial mammal species. On average, males are 3.2 meters (10.5 ft) tall at the shoulder and 6 tons (6.6 short tons) in weight, while females are relatively smaller at 2.6 meters (8.5 ft) tall at the shoulder and 3 tons (3.3 short tons) in weight. Elephants attain their maximum stature when they complete the fusion of long-bone epiphyses, occurring in males around the age of 40 and females around the age of 25. Their large size means that they must consume around 50 gallons of water everyday in order to stay hydrated. These elephants are known for being hunted for their tusks, ears, feet, and meat, so the population of bush elephants in the world has been increasingly declining.

THE BIG FIVE
20 KWACHA

Edge

20 Kwacha

Republic

Big Five
African Elephant

Subscribe series
KM# 67
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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