Obverse. Photo © Heritage Auctions
  • 100 Dollar 2000, Namibia, 10th Anniversary of Independence
  • 100 Dollar 2000, Namibia, 10th 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.

An essai is a type of trial strike, typically a non-circulating, non-legal tender coin with a slightly higher mintage than the usual pattern coin.

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
2000
REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA

Reverse

Depicts a couple of lion and lioness walking across grasses, clouds above them and the inscription "Essai" (a coin prototype) below the chin of lioness within a circle The series title is above and the denomination dividing dates independence year and issue year below.

The lion (Panthera leo) is a large cat of the genus Panthera native to Africa and India. It has a muscular, broad-chested body; short, rounded head; round ears; and a hairy tuft at the end of its tail. It is sexually dimorphic; adult male lions are larger than females and have a prominent mane. It is a social species, forming groups called prides. A lion's pride consists of a few adult males, related females, and cubs. Groups of female lions usually hunt together, preying mostly on large ungulates. The lion is an apex and keystone predator; although some lions scavenge when opportunities occur and have been known to hunt humans, lions typically do not actively seek out and prey on humans.

10 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE
ESSAI
1990 $100 2000

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Palladium
Weight -
Diameter 36.5 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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