Description

A rare species refers to a group of organisms that are uncommon, scarce, or seldom encountered. This term can apply to both plant and animal species and differs from "endangered" or "threatened." It may be officially designated by governments or regions, though it is often used informally without strict criteria. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) generally does not assign this label but may use it in scientific discussions.

A species is considered rare if it has a small global population, typically fewer than 10,000 individuals. Factors like a limited geographic range or fragmented habitats also contribute to its rarity. Approximately 75% of known species fall under this category.

Obverse

Depicts the Malawi emblem surrounded by country name, denomination above and H M name below, fourth crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara.

The Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara was a wedding present in 1947 from her grandmother, Queen Mary, who received it as a gift from the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland in 1893 on the occasion of her marriage to the Duke of York, later George V. Made by E. Wolfe & Co., it was purchased from Garrard & Co. by a committee organised by Lady Eve Greville. In 1914, Mary adapted the tiara to take 13 diamonds in place of the large oriental pearls surmounting the tiara. At first, Elizabeth wore the tiara without its base and pearls but the base was reattached in 1969.

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 50 KWACHA
UNITY AND FREEDOM
• ELIZABETH II •

Reverse

Depicts a detailed view of a mature male lion with keen eyesight and with crystal inserts in eyes, trees in the background, its name in the corner above and the date below.

The white lion is a rare colour mutation of the lion, specifically the Southern African lion. White lions in the area of Timbavati are thought to have been indigenous to the Timbavati region of South Africa for centuries, although the earliest recorded sighting in this region was in 1938. White lions first became known to the English-speaking world in 1977 through the book The White Lions of Timbavati.

THE
WHITE
LION
2009

Edge

50 Kwacha

Republic
KM# 85 Schön# 153
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.999
Weight 56.699 g
Diameter -
Width 42 mm
Height 42 mm
Thickness 2 mm
Shape square
Alignment Medal

Related coins

Republic, White Lion

Rare Wildlife

Gold, 85.048 g