Obverse. Photo © Cambridgeshire Coins
  • 10 Kwacha 2006, Malawi, 80th Anniversary of Birth of Elizabeth II
  • 10 Kwacha 2006, Malawi, 80th Anniversary of Birth of Elizabeth II
Description

Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 80th birthday in 2006 with many special events and activities. In the month prior to her birthday on 21st April, she had travelled to Australia for a visit which included opening the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. A commemorative 50c was issued for the occasion of this special milestone, her 80th birthday.

Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary; 1926–2022) was Queen of the United Kingdom and of 14 other Commonwealth realms. Her reign of 70 years and seven months, which began on 6 February 1952, was the longest of any British monarch in history.

When her father died in February 1952, Elizabeth—then 25 years old—became queen regnant of seven independent Commonwealth countries: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, and Ceylon (Sri Lanka), as well as Head of the Commonwealth. Elizabeth reigned as a constitutional monarch through major political changes such as the Troubles in Northern Ireland, devolution in the United Kingdom, the decolonisation of Africa, and the United Kingdom's accession to the European Communities and withdrawal from the European Union. The number of her realms varied over time as territories have gained independence and some realms have become republics.

Times of personal significance have included the births and marriages of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, her coronation in 1953 and the celebrations of her Silver, Golden, Diamond, and Platinum jubilees in 1977, 2002, 2012, and 2022, respectively.

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms of Malawi dividing the date, country name above and denomination 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
20 06
UNITY AND FREEDOM
10 KWACHA

Reverse

Depicts HM Queen Elizabeth II in royal garb, decorated by the Garter Collar and the Order of the Garter, wearing a Coronation necklace and earrings, H.M. name above and inscription of occasion below.

The Coronation necklace and earrings date to 1858, made for Queen Victoria to replace items lost in the Hanoverian Claim. The pendant is the Lahore Diamond, taken from the Lahore Treasury in present-day Pakistan by British colonizers in 1849. The pendants of the coronation earrings also have a colonial history: they were originally part of the armlet setting of the Koh-i-Noor Diamond. Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary, and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother also wore various parts of the necklace and earrings for their coronation ceremonies.

The Garter Collar of Elizabeth II, part of the regalia of the Order of the Garter, was a ceremonial necklace worn by the late Queen. It featured alternating gold links of roses, shields, and knots, with the pendant of Saint George slaying a dragon known as the "Great George." The collar was worn during formal occasions tied to the Order of the Garter, symbolizing the Queen's role as the Sovereign of the order.

The Order of the Garter, established by Edward III of England in 1348, is the oldest and most prestigious order of chivalry in the United Kingdom, serving as a symbol of honor and loyalty to the Crown. Dedicated to Saint George, the patron saint of England, the order comprises the Sovereign, the Prince of Wales, and a limited number of 24 Companions, who are appointed at the Sovereign's discretion in recognition of their exceptional contributions to national life or service to the monarchy. Members wear a distinctive garter emblazoned with the motto "Honi soit qui mal y pense" ("Shame on him who thinks evil of it"), which reflects the values of chivalry and integrity upheld by the order.

H.M. QUEEN ELIZABETH II
80th BIRTHDAY

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.999
Weight 28.28 g
Diameter 38.61 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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