Obverse. Photo © zoloto-md.ru
  • 20 Kwacha 2010, Malawi, 65th Anniversary of Great Patriotic War Victory (1941-1945)
  • 20 Kwacha 2010, Malawi, 65th Anniversary of Great Patriotic War Victory (1941-1945)
Description

The Eastern Front of World War II was a theatre of conflict between the European Axis powers and co-belligerent Finland against the Soviet Union, Poland and other Allies, which encompassed Northern, Southern and Central and Eastern Europe from 22 June 1941 to 9 May 1945. It has been known as the Great Patriotic War in the former Soviet Union and in modern Russia.

The battles on the Eastern Front constituted the largest military confrontation in history. They were characterized by unprecedented ferocity, wholesale destruction, mass deportations, and immense loss of life due to combat, starvation, exposure, disease, and massacres. Of the estimated 70 million deaths attributed to World War II, over 30 million, many of them civilian, occurred on the Eastern Front. The Eastern Front was decisive in determining the outcome of the European portion of World War II, eventually serving as the main reason for the defeat of Nazi Germany. It resulted in the destruction of the Third Reich, the partition of Germany for nearly half a century and the rise of the Soviet Union as a military and industrial superpower.

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms of Malawi, country name above, denomination 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
2010
• MWK 20 •

Reverse

Depicts a photo of the 1945 Moscow Victory Parade on the left and the monument to Marshal Zhukov on the right. Above is the inscription, with the Order of the Patriotic War placed between a wreath of olives. The start and end dates of the war are displayed below.

The 1945 Moscow Victory Parade, held on June 24, 1945, was a momentous event marking the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. The parade took place in Red Square, Moscow, and was led by Soviet Marshal Georgy Zhukov, who commanded the parade as a symbol of Soviet triumph. Soldiers, military equipment, and captured Nazi flags were displayed in front of thousands of spectators, including Soviet leadership. It was one of the largest military parades in history and served as a significant propaganda event, showcasing Soviet power and the defeat of fascism. The parade symbolized the end of the war in Europe and the Soviet Union's pivotal role in the Allied victory.

The Monument to Marshal Georgy Zhukov, located near Red Square in Moscow, was unveiled in 1995 to honor the legendary Soviet commander for his pivotal role in the defeat of Nazi Germany during World War II. Standing proudly at the intersection of Manezhnaya Square and Okhotny Ryad, the statue depicts Zhukov in a commanding pose, astride a horse, wearing his military uniform and decorated with medals. Zhukov is best known for his leadership during the Battle of Stalingrad and the Battle of Berlin, among other key engagements. The monument is a powerful tribute to his legacy and the Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War, and it has become a significant symbol of Russian military history. The location, near the Kremlin and Red Square, reinforces Zhukov's connection to the heart of Russian power.

The Order of the Patriotic War was a prestigious Soviet military decoration established on May 20, 1942, to honor soldiers, commanders, and civilians for their bravery and heroism during the Great Patriotic War (1941–1945). Awarded in two classes, it recognized acts of valor in key battles such as Stalingrad, Kursk, and the capture of Berlin. The design featured a red star with a soldier’s image and the inscription "For the Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War." It remains a symbol of Soviet victory and sacrifice in World War II.

65th Anniversary
of the End of
World War II
1941 1945
ОТЕЧЕСТВЕННАЯ ВОЙНА ★

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.999
Weight 31.1 g
Diameter 45 mm
Thickness 2.2 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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