Obverse. Photo © Heritage Auctions
  • 100 Dollar 1998, KM# A8, Namibia, 5th Anniversary of Independence
  • 100 Dollar 1998, KM# A8, Namibia, 5th Anniversary of Independence
Description

Namibia gained independence from South African rule on March 21, 1990, following a prolonged struggle for self-determination. The country had been under German colonial rule until World War I, after which it was administered by South Africa under a League of Nations mandate. However, South Africa imposed its apartheid policies on Namibia, leading to decades of resistance, primarily led by the South West African People's Organization (SWAPO). The fight for independence involved both armed struggle and diplomatic efforts, with key support from the United Nations and international community. After years of conflict, Namibia finally achieved sovereignty through a UN-supervised peace process, making it the last African country to gain independence in the 20th century. Since then, Namibia has remained politically stable, developing as a democratic nation with a growing economy.

Obverse

Depicts coat of arms of Namibia, date and country name below.

The coat of arms depicts the national flag on the shield, African fish eagle above, Oryx supports the shield from two sides, Welwitschia mirabilis, a unique desert plant, below on top of national the motto.

UNITY LIBERTY JUSTICE
1995
REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA

Reverse

Depicts a colored general view of the Namib Desert with dunes within a beaded border. The series title is above and the denomination is below.

The Namib Desert, one of the oldest deserts in the world, stretches along the Atlantic coast of Namibia, extending into Angola and South Africa. Estimated to be at least 55 million years old, it is characterized by vast sand dunes, arid gravel plains, and rugged mountains, with some of the highest dunes on Earth, such as those in Sossusvlei. Despite its harsh conditions, the desert is home to unique wildlife, including the oryx, Namib sand gecko, and Welwitschia plant, which have adapted to extreme aridity. The Namib's coastal fog, generated by the Benguela Current, is a crucial water source for many desert organisms. It also holds cultural and historical significance, with ancient rock art and remnants of colonial-era diamond mining towns. Today, much of the Namib Desert is protected within Namib-Naukluft National Park, a major tourist attraction known for its surreal landscapes and biodiversity.

5th YEAR OF INDEPENDENCE
$100

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Gold
Fineness 0.999
Weight 31.1 g
Diameter 37 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Huguenin Frères & Cie (HF)

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