Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 10 Cents 1978-1991, KM# 18, Kenya
  • 10 Cents 1978-1991, KM# 18, Kenya
Obverse

Numerical denomination and Kenyan coat of arms surrounded by legend.

The coat of arms of Kenya features two lions, a symbol of protection, holding spears and a traditional East African shield. The shield and spears symbolize unity and defence of freedom. The shield contains the rooster holding an axe. According to the African tradition, the rooster is the only domestic fowl that announces the dawn of a new day, much like the wake up call of an alarm clock. It is also the symbol of Kenya Africa National Union (KANU) party that led the country to independence.

The shield and lions stand on a silhouette of Mount Kenya containing in the foreground examples of Kenya agricultural produce - coffee, pyrethrum, sisal, tea, maize and pineapples.

The coat of arms is supported by a scroll upon which is written the word 'Harambee'. In Swahili, Harambee means "pulling together" or "all for one". It is the cry of the fishermen as they draw their nets towards the shore. The same word is echoed by everyone when a collective effort is made for the common good, such as helping a family in need, or the construction of a school or a church.

REPUBLIC OF KENYA
19 86
HARAMBEE
10
TEN CENTS

Reverse

Head of the Daniel arap Moi facing 3/4s right surrounded by legend.

Daniel Toroitich arap Moi (born 1924) is a former Kenyan politician who served as the second President of Kenya from 1978 to 2002. Through popular agitation and external pressures, he was forced to allow multiparty elections in 1992 and successfully led his party to victory and in the following general election in 1997. Prior to 1978, he served as the third Vice President of Kenya from 1967 to 1978. Moi is popularly known to Kenyans as "Nyayo", a Swahili word for "footsteps", as he often said he was following in the footsteps of the first President. He also earned the sobriquet "Professor of Politics" due to his long rule of 24 years, the longest in Kenyan history to date.

PRESIDENT OF REPUBLIC OF KENYA
DANIEL TOROITICH ARAP MOI

Edge

10 Cents

KM# 18
Characteristics
Material Nickel Brass
Weight 9.4 g
Diameter 30.8 mm
Thickness 1.76 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal

Related coins

With legend

Nickel Brass, 9.4 g, ⌀ 30.8 mm