Obverse. Photo © Monetnik.ru
  • 20 Kwacha 2010, Schön# 196.2, Malawi, Palaces of St. Petersburg, Constantine Palace
  • 20 Kwacha 2010, Schön# 196.2, Malawi, Palaces of St. Petersburg, Constantine Palace
Description

Founded by Peter the Great in 1703, Saint Petersburg is not only a city rich in beauty and attractions, but it also served as the capital of Imperial Russia under the rule of the tsars. This has left the city with a remarkable historical legacy and an array of grand palaces from the tsarist era. Despite the fall of Tsarist Russia, many of these opulent structures remain, now preserved as key tourist attractions. The St. Petersburg palace coin series offers a glimpse into the lives of the city’s aristocratic families, such as the Yusupovs, Stroganovs, and Sheremetyevs, each palace holding its own secrets and stories.

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms of Malawi, date below within a circle, country name above and denomination below surrounded by a beaded circle.

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 multicolored Konstantinovsky Palace façade with a monument to Peter the Great in front, surrounded by the series title "Palaces of St. Petersburg" above and palace name below.

The grand residence in Strelna, known as Konstantin Palace, was originally founded by Peter the Great, who envisioned it as a "Russian Versailles." Construction of the ensemble began in 1715 with the Lower Park, and five years later, in 1720, architect Nicola Michetti started work on the grand stone palace. Despite these early efforts, the palace remained unfinished until the late 18th century. In 1797, Emperor Paul I gifted the estate to his second son, Grand Duke Konstantin Pavlovich, giving the palace its name. During the 19th century, it became the country residence of the Romanov grand dukes.

After the Russian Revolution, the palace was repurposed as a school, and during World War II, it sustained significant damage. In the 1950s, it was reconstructed and became Leningrad Arctic College. In the early 21st century, the Konstantinovsky Palace underwent extensive restoration to become the State Complex "The National Congress Palace," which was completed in 2003 for the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg. Today, the revitalized palace serves as a state residence and a center for business, cultural, and exhibition events.

PALACES OF ST. PETERSBURG
ПЕТР ВЕЛИКИЙ
Constantine
Palace

Edge

20 Kwacha

Republic
Schön# 196.2
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.999
Weight 31.1 g
Diameter 45 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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