Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 20 Cents 1996-2005, KM# 50, Swaziland (eSwatini), Mswati III
  • 20 Cents 1996-2005, KM# 50, Swaziland (eSwatini), Mswati III
Description

Mswati III (born Prince Makhosetive Dlamini on 19 April 1968) is the current King of Swaziland and head of the Swazi Royal Family. Makhosetive was crowned Mswati III, Ingwenyama and King of Swaziland on 25 April 1986 at the age of 18, thus becoming the youngest ruling monarch at the time in the world. Together with his mother Ntfombi Tfwala, now Queen Mother (Ndlovukati), he rules the country as an absolute monarch. Mswati III is known for his practice of polygyny (although at least two wives are appointed by the state) and currently has 15 wives.

Obverse

Depicts a bust of Mswati III, 3/4 right, wearing a light goatee, 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 above.

SWAZILAND

Reverse

Depicts the head of an African elephant (a National symbols of Eswatini), value and date.

Elephants, the largest existing land animals, are mammals of the family Elephantidae. Three species are currently recognised: the African bush elephant, the African forest elephant, and the Asian elephant. Elephantidae is the only surviving family of the order Proboscidea; extinct members include the mastodons. The family Elephantidae also contains several now-extinct groups, including the mammoths and straight-tusked elephants. African elephants have larger ears and concave backs, whereas Asian elephants have smaller ears, and convex or level backs. Distinctive features of all elephants include a long trunk, tusks, large ear flaps, massive legs, and tough but sensitive skin. The trunk, also called a proboscis, is used for breathing, bringing food and water to the mouth, and grasping objects. Tusks, which are derived from the incisor teeth, serve both as weapons and as tools for moving objects and digging. The large ear flaps assist in maintaining constant body temperature as well as in communication. The pillar-like legs carry their great weight.

20
CENTS 2002

Edge

20 Cents

2nd portrait
KM# 50
Characteristics
Material Cupronickel
Weight 5.6 g
Diameter 25.2 mm
Thickness -
Shape wavy (scallop, sun-shaped)
Notches 12
Alignment Medal
Alt # KM# 50.1, KM# 50.2
Mint
Royal Mint

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