Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 1 Tambala 1984-1994, KM# 7.2a, Malawi
  • 1 Tambala 1984-1994, KM# 7.2a, Malawi
Description

The kwacha, introduced as Malawi's currency in 1971, replaced the Malawian pound. The kwacha derives its name from the Chichewa word meaning "dawn," and tambala, meaning "rooster," symbolizes the hundred tambala in one kwacha.

Engraver: Paul Vincze

Obverse

Depicts a portrait of Hastings Banda right, country name in Chichewa in the banner below.

Hastings Kamuzu Banda (c. 1898 – 1997) was the leader of Malawi from 1964 to 1994, serving as Prime Minister and then its first president when the country became a republic in 1966. Educated abroad in fields like medicine and history, Banda returned to Malawi to advocate for independence from British colonial rule. He declared Malawi a one-party state under the Malawi Congress Party, and in 1971, became its President for Life. Despite modernizing infrastructure and education, Banda's rule was marked by severe repression, human rights abuses, and political killings. Under pressure, he agreed to end the one-party system in 1993 and lost the 1994 election.

MALAŴI

Reverse

Depicts a crowing rooster standing left, date right, and denomination below.

1 1985
P.V.
TAMBALA

Edge

1 Tambala

Republic
KM# 7.2a
Characteristics
Material Copper Plated Steel
Weight 1.8 g
Diameter 17 mm
Thickness 1.05 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

Related coins

Republic

Bronze, 1.8 g, ⌀ 17 mm
Republic, Magnetic

Copper Plated Steel, 1.8 g, ⌀ 17.2 mm
Republic, Non-magnetic

Bronze, 1.8 g, ⌀ 17.3 mm