Swaziland (eSwatini) Mswati III 50 Cents

History

50 Cents 1996-2007, KM# 52, Swaziland (eSwatini), Mswati III

Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com

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	Person (king, queen, tsar etc.) Mswati III 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	Animal (fish, bird, mammal etc.) Lion, Elephant Coat of arms Swaziland (eSwatini) Depicts the coat of arms of eSwatini (Swaziland), value and date. The coat of arms of Swaziland eSwatini (Swaziland) is a coat of arms depicting various symbols for traditional culture. The lion represents the King and the elephant represents the Queen-mother. They support a traditional Nguni shield which represents "protection". Above the shield is the king's lidlabe, or crown of feathers, normally worn during Ncwala (the festival of the harvest). On a banner below the shield is the national motto, Siyinqaba, meaning, "We are the fortress". Engraver: Michael Rizzello 50 SIYINQABA 2005 CENTS
Edge	Plain