Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 50 Ngwee 1992, KM# 30, Zambia
  • 50 Ngwee 1992, KM# 30, Zambia
Description

In 1992, a new, smaller coinage was introduced consisting of nickel-plated-steel 25 and 50 ngwee and brass 1, 5 and 10 kwacha. The coins were issued only one year and then discontinued as the economic crisis dragged on.

The name ngwee translates as "bright" in the Nyanja language.

Obverse

National arms with supporters, date below, country name above.

The coat of arms of Zambia was adopted on 24 October 1964 when the Republic of Zambia reached its independence. This coat of arms is adapted from the arms of the Colony of Northern Rhodesia which dates to 1927. The African fish eagle represents the conquest of freedom and nation's hope for the future. The pick and hoe represent the country's economic backbone: agriculture and mining, as well as the characteristics that have influenced Zambia's evolution and nature. The shield is a representation of Victoria Falls with white water cascading over black rock. The Victoria Falls represents the Zambezi river, from which Zambia takes its name. The coat of arms also has emblems of Zambia's natural resources: minerals and mining, agriculture and wildlife. The shield is supported by two figures which represent the common man and woman of the nation. The country's motto is "One Zambia, One Nation" which emphasises the need for unity in a country of over 72 ethnic groups.

The wavy black and white vertical lines also were present in the shield of the coat of arms of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland 1954-1963.

ZAMBIA
ONE ZAMBIA ONE NATION
1992

Reverse

Depicts Kafue lechwe mammal, value below.

The Kafue lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis) is a subspecies of the southern lechwe. It is endemic to the Kafue Flats, Zambia. It is listed on the IUCN Red List as vulnerable.

The lechwe (Kobus leche), red lechwe or southern lechwe, is an antelope found in wetlands of south central Africa

50
FIFTY
NGWEE

Edge

50 Ngwee

KM# 30 Schön# 29
Characteristics
Material Nickel Plated Steel
Weight 4.05 g
Diameter 23 mm
Thickness 1.6 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

Related coins

Brass Plated Steel, 3.54 g, ⌀ 21 mm