Coinage of Botswana

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In 1998, following the withdrawal of the 1 and 2 thebe, smaller 5, 10, 25 and 50 thebe coins were introduced. The 5 and 25 thebe coins were now seven-sided, but the 10 and 50 thebe coins remaining round.

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The heptagonal nickel-plated steel 25 thebe coin of 1998.

Image © Daniel's Coin Zoo.

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A bimetallic 5 pula was introduced in 2000. It was composed of a cupronickel center in a ring made of aluminium-nickel-bronze. The reverse design depicted a mopane caterpillar and a branch of the mopane tree it feeds on.

Image © Daniel's Coin Zoo.

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New coin, old coin.


In 2004 the composition of the 2 pula coin was changed to brass-plated steel and the size was slightly reduced.

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In January 2014 Botswana issued a new series of coins, all of which were dated 2013. According to the Bank of Botswana:

"The introduction of the new coins follows a comprehensive review of the national currency. This is in line with international norms where currency is reviewed and updated periodically to take account of latest technology trends and security features. Indeed, in designing and minting the new family of coin, the Bank accessed the latest technology in the industry with a view to producing good quality coin. The new family of coins has retained the seven denominations, viz: 5 Pula, 2 Pula, 1 Pula, 50 thebe, 25 thebe, 10 thebe and 5 thebe."

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The new 1 pula coin is round and 26mm. The design has an added background to enhance its realism.

The new 5 pula coin is 28mm in diameter compared to 23.5 before - quite a change.

The 1 and 2 pula were previously heptagonal and made of nickel-brass, though from 2004 the 2 pula was in brass-plated steel.


The former 5 thebe coin was 17mm - now 18mm, a very slight change.

The former 10 thebe coin was 18mm - now 20mm.

The former 25 thebe coin was 20mm - now 22mm.

The former 50 thebe coin was 21.1mm - now 24mm.

So there is now a 2mm difference in size between the four lowest denominations, which makes them easier to distinguish, since they are all of the same "colour".

 

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The reverses of the new set.




The specifications of the new set.

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Images © Daniel's Coin Zoo.

A closer look at the new 25 thebe coin.  The previous coins were made by the Royal Mint, but these are products of the South African Mint, so there are slight differences in the font, the placement of the text, and the designs.

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A closer look at the new 1 pula.  In contrast to the earlier design, it has a rich and busy background. I prefer the earlier design. Perhaps the scenic background will signal a new trend for wildlife designs on circulation coins.

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Scenery - or no scenery? The new set can't seem to make up its mind. Should it be consistent - or does it not matter?

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This Malawian 50 tambala coin of 2004 shows that Botswana's coins were not the first to show a zebra against a scenic background.


See also: The portrayal of animals in coin design.

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It's interesting to see the differences between the 5 pula coins of 2007 and 2013. The 2013 obverse shows leaves around the rim, just like the reverse.




The difference in fonts and other minor elements, such as the positioning of the leaves and of the zebras, is also noticeable.

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I have just looked up the word "Ipelegeng", which appears on Botswana's coins. It means to be self-sufficient or independent.

That ends my survey of Botswana's coinage.