Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 2 Cents 1975, KM# 22, Swaziland (eSwatini), Sobhuza II, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Increase Exports
  • 2 Cents 1975, KM# 22, Swaziland (eSwatini), Sobhuza II, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Increase Exports
Description

Sobhuza II (also known as Nkhotfotjeni, Mona) (1899–1982) was the Paramount Chief and later King of Swaziland for 82 years and 254 days, the longest verifiable reign of any monarch in recorded history. Sobhuza was born on 22 July 1899 at Zombodze Royal Residence, the son of Inkhosikati Lomawa Ndwandwe and King Ngwane V. When he was only four months old, his father died suddenly while dancing incwala. Sobhuza was chosen King soon after that and his grandmother Labotsibeni and his uncle Prince Malunge led the Swazi nation until his maturity in 1921. Sobhuza led Swaziland through independence until his death in 1982. He was succeeded by Mswati III, his young son with Inkhosikati Ntfombi Tfwala, who was crowned in 1986.

Engraver: Michael Rizzello

Obverse

Depicts a bust of Sobhuza II, 1/4 right, sporting his signature goatee, and wearing an inyoni (a ceremonial headdress worn by the King of Swaziland), a ligcebesha (a type of traditional beaded necklace) and an umhelwane (a toga-like garment). The state name below.

SWAZILAND

Reverse

Leadwood tree between value and date.

Leadwood tree (Combretum imberbe) is a characteristic and often impressive bushwillow species of the southern Afrotropics. The medium to large tree has a sparse, semi-deciduous canopy of grey-green leaves. The twigs and leaves are hairless as the name imberbe suggests. Its heartwood is dark brown, close-grained, and very hard and heavy, as suggested by its vernacular name. The durable heartwood is much sought after in the woodcarving industry.

It is native to the mesic savannas of Africa south of the equator, from KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa, in the south to Tanzania in the north. It is a native tree in South Africa, eSwatini, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Angola, Zambia and Tanzania.

INCREASE EXPORTS
2
CENTS 1975

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Bronze
Weight 2.8 g
Diameter 20.9 mm
Width -
Height -
Thickness -
Shape square
Alignment Medal

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