Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 50 Kwacha 2006, KM# 109, Malawi, Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics, Hurdling
  • 50 Kwacha 2006, KM# 109, Malawi, Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics, Hurdling
Description

The 2008 Summer Olympics, also known as Beijing 2008, were held from August 8 to 24, 2008, in Beijing, China. It was the first time China hosted the Olympics and the third time the event took place in East Asia. The Games featured 10,942 athletes from 204 countries competing in 28 sports and 302 events. Beijing won the bid in 2001 and invested heavily in new facilities. The Games were watched by 3.5 billion people worldwide and set numerous records. China won the most gold medals (48), while the United States won the highest number of medals overall (112). It marked the return of the Summer Olympics to Asia after 1988 and saw several countries winning their first-ever Olympic medals.

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 MALAWI
UNITY AND FREEDOM
2006

Reverse

Depicts two athletes running a hurdle, inscription of occasion above and denomination below.

Hurdling is a sprinting event where athletes jump over obstacles, or hurdles, at high speed. In the early 19th century, hurdlers landed on both feet after each jump, slowing their motion. Today, specialized step patterns, like the 3-step for high hurdles and 7-step for low hurdles, dominate. In this obstacle race, athletes must clear all hurdles set at specific heights and distances, with disqualification for passing under or deliberately knocking them down.

OLYMPIC GAMES 2008
50
KWACHA

Edge

50 Kwacha

Republic
KM# 109 Schön# 115
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 20 g
Diameter 38.6 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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